23800 - Theories and History of Restoration

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has to know the evolution of the concept of "monument" and has to know the theories about restoration and principles that have influenced the activity of preserving monuments from the 14th to the 20th century. In particular, the student is able to: - analyze, recognize and put in a historic view previous work on the object being studied; - to define the historical-methodological problems and/or trends related to one or more phases of the history of restoration.

Course contents

The History and Restoration course (I.C. 12 CFU) consists of two integrated and coordinated modules: History of Architecture 3 (8 CFU) and Theories and History of Restoration (4 CFU).

Restoration, intended as an activity aimed at counteracting the phenomena of natural and anthropic degradation, which inevitably lead to the loss of a certain cultural asset – in this case, an architectural asset –, has an ancient history; nevertheless, we talk of a modern way to restore monuments since a couple of centuries. Cultural, social and economic events have introduced us to what is the actual meaning of the term, resulting in the emergence of a discipline with its own characteristics.

Through case studies and protagonists who have made a significant contribution to the development of the methodologies aimed at protecting the historical-architectural heritage, the module will connect theoretical inputs to operational practices. It will be a didactic path from the birth of the discipline to the current orientations of method to provide the student with an essential cultural background to identify and critically evaluate the interventions on the built heritage.

Readings/Bibliography

For ERASMUS students (one semester):

Bibliography

D.P. DOORDAN, Building modern Italy: Italian architecture 1914-1936, Princeton Architectural Press, New York 1988.

J. JOKILEHTO, A History of Architectural Conservation, Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford 1999.

J. JOKILEHTO, Authenticity in restoration principles and practice, in "APT Bulletin", 17, no. 3 and 4, 5 ff., 1985.

J. RUSKIN, The Seven Lamps of Architecture, London 1849 (paragraphs about "The lamp of the truth" and "The lamp of the memory").

E.E. VIOLLET-LE-DUC, On restoration, Sampson, London 1875.

Charters and Documents Relating to the Conservation and Management of Cultural Sites and Tourism

Voto conclusivo della I Sezione del IV Congresso degli Ingegneri ed Architetti Italiani (Roma, 1883).

Athens Charter for the Restoration of Historic Monuments (1931).

Carta Italiana del Restauro (1932).

International Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites (Venice Charter, 1964).

Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972).

Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance (Burra Charter, 1979).

Florence Charter (1981).

Charter for the Conservation of Historic Towns and Urban Areas (Washington Charter, 1987).

Nara Document on Authenticity (1994).

 

Teaching methods

The lessons of the History and Restoration integrated course are divided into two fundamental moments: the ex cathedra lessons and the reading of a part of a recommended (transdisciplinary) text with subsequent debate in classroom on the theoretical themes that emerged from each lecture.

In order to have a knowledge base to better understand the contents of the lessons, the student is asked to read before each lecture a short text indicated by the professors. For the Theories and History of Restoration part, a summary of the text followed by a critical analysis (maximum 1.000 characters) must be uploaded by the day of the lecture on the "Insegnamenti OnLine" platform. To be admitted to the exam, the student must have done at least 80% of the module submissions.

Educational visits to cities and architectures presented in classroom during the year are also planned.

Assessment methods

The examination of History and Restoration consists in the learning assessment of the contents of the two modules which compose the integrated course.

In particular, the exam of Theories and History of Restoration aims to evaluate the achievement of the following didactic goals:

- knowing the evolution of the concept of "monument";

- understanding the main theoretical-operational nodes related to the evolution of the discipline of Restoration, up to the current orientations;

- learning the main work of the theorists dealt with in classroom.

The History and Restoration exam is divided between the two modules of the course (History of Architecture 3 and Theories and History of Restoration) and the final assessment is the weighted average of the results of the two examinations, weighted on the CFU of each module. Both the oral tests require the student to illustrate a favourite topic and consist of at least three specific questions on topics related to the main goals of the course. The evaluation of the exercises uploaded on "Insegnamenti OnLine" during the academic year contributes to the final assessment.

Specifically, the final exam of the Theories and History of Restoration module will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

1. Learning the contents of the module (up to a maximum of 12 points)

2. Ability to critically analyse the issues discussed (up to a maximum of 12 points)

3. Evaluation of the exercises uploaded on "Insegnamenti OnLine" (up to a maximum of 6 points)

Teaching tools

Slides, videos and pdf files. The lecture notes relating to the lessons (which will be progressively deposited in the course page on the "Insegnamenti OnLine" platform) collect mainly images; the attendance at the course and the support of the notes are therefore strongly recommended.

Office hours

See the website of Marco Pretelli

See the website of Giulia Favaretto