Nicola Santopuoli, Architect and Associate Professor of Architectural Restoration at Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, teaches in the Graduate School of Archaeological Heritage, in Master’s degree in Historic buildings rehabilitation and in the Master’s Degree of Archaeology and Cultures of the Ancient World.
He is member of the School Board of Doctorate in “Architecture and Construction”, Sapienza University of Rome.
PAST ACADEMIC POSITIONS and EDUCATION
- Associate Professor, Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, 2021
- Associate Professor, Sapienza University of Rome, 2017-2021
- Aggregate Professor, Sapienza University of Rome, 2006-2017
- Lecturer, Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera, Milano 2016-2018
- Lecturer, Superintendence for Architectural Heritage and Landscape of Ravenna, School of Restoration of Mosaics of Ravenna, School of Restoration of the Opificio delle Pietre Dure of Florence, 1997-2008
- Lecturer, University of Pisa, in collaboration with the University of Damascus, 2001, 2002, 2004
- Lecturer, University of Padova, 2002–2004
- Lecturer, University of Pisa, 2000
- Lecturer, University of Ferrara, 1999-2006
- Lecturer, University of Florence, 1991-1994
- Degree (M.S.), 110/110, Architecture, University of Florence, Italy (03/1991).
ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES
- President of the Master’s Degree Course in Architecture (Conservation) Sapienza University of Rome, 2017-2021
- Dean's delegate for Orientation and Tutoring in the Faculty of Architecture, 2015-2021.
- Director’s delegate for educational programming of Department of History, Design and Restoration of Architecture, Sapienza University of Rome, 2010-2012
- Director of the Master's Degree in Construction Process Management, Sapienza University of Rome, 2016-17
- Director of the Inter-University Master Degree in Management, Conservation and Ecclesiastical Heritage, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Bologna, 2010-2011
- Working Group of the Sapienza University of Rome (A. M. Giovenale, D. Esposito, N. Santopuoli), for the EU recognition (art. 46 of Directive 2005/36/EC) of 11 Degree Courses of the Faculty of Architecture (Restoration of Architecture; Architecture - Restoration of Architecture; Architecture and restoration; Architecture and Urban Planning; Architecture Structural design and Rehabilitation, Architecture Interior Design, etc.), published in the Official Journal of the European Union of 15.4.2019, L 104/1, 2017 - 2019
COURSES TAUGHT
- Conservation and Archaeology
- Construction Characters of Ancient Monuments and Restoration Problems
- Consolidation and Restauration of Monuments
- Conservation Design Studio
- Museum Studies
- Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM),
- Theory and Technique for Restoration;
- Diagnostics and Analytical Methods for Restoration;
- Materials and Techniques for Restoration
- Architectural and Urban Survey
SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITIES
The research activity is mainly focused on the in-depth study of the scientific and theoretical aspects of restoration, the historical-technical study of the built environment, surveying, documentation, in-depth diagnostics, and the criteria and methods of execution in restoration work. The research commitment, also characterised by participation in numerous conferences and seminars, focuses on the following areas: i) the study, protection and restoration of the architectural and archaeological heritage; the study and protection of the landscape; ii) survey with both traditional and advanced technologies and diagnostics applied to the study of architectural, archaeological and artistic artifacts structures and materials; iii) innovation and technology transfer from research and development industrial sectors to the field of cultural heritage protection.
In collaboration with physics, mechanical and aerospace engineering experts and with several companies (Konica Minolta Europe, Leica-geosystems, Bayer Sheet Europe, ABB Ricerche - Milan), he developed:
a) 'intelligent' systems design and realization with shape memory alloys for mural paintings, mosaics and sculptures protection and conservation;
b) application of multispectral and colorimetric investigations for monitoring and control of architectural surfaces cleaning processes and restoration (mural paintings, mosaics, stone walls and colorings);
c) application of rapid prototyping technologies that use digital models obtained through 3D survey to make chalk or synthetic material copies of sculptures and to simulate restoration interventions;
d) existing buildings energy assessment and experimental studies about the possible combined use of thermography, 3D laser scanning and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
Since 1991 he has continuously been carrying out numerous scientific, educational, professional and consulting activities in the field of restoration, mainly on historical centres, architectural complexes, prehistoric, Roman, Byzantine, medieval and modern sites and monuments.
SOME MAJOR GRANTS
- Scientific responsible for the project Il Palazzo del Ministero della Pubblica Istruzione: storia e architettura (Ministry of Education and Merit), 2018-2021.
- Scientific responsible for the project Information Modeling per la prevenzione ed il restauro del patrimonio architettonico (RIM - Restoration Information Modeling), (Sapienza University of Rome, Ministry for Universities and Research), 2018-2021.
- Scientific responsible for the project: Da Asellina a Verecundus: ricerca, restauro e monitoraggio sulle pitture di alcune celebri botteghe di via dell'Abbondanza a Pompei (Regio IX, Insulae 7 e 11). Investigation and experimental campaign on materials, intervention and protection methods (Archaeological Park of Pompeii [https://pompeiisites.org/en/archaeological-park-of-pompeii/], Sapienza University of Rome, University of Ferrara, Kacyra Family Foundation, Fassa Bortolo).
MAIN PROFESSIONAL RECORDS
Consultant on Cultural Heritage Conservation and Architect/Designer: Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority the United Republic of Tanzania, University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Perugia, University of Pisa, University of Florence, Italy; University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
April 2017 - ongoing
- Development of a short-, medium-, and long-term conservation plan for the Laetoli footprints.
- Architectural design for semi-permanent facility at Site G for the protection and simultaneous use of the surface by scientists and visitors.
Architect/Restorer: Iraq-Italian Archaeological Mission in Nineveh (Coordinator N. Marchetti), State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH) of Nineveh
May 2022 - ongoing
Walls and Adad Gate of Nineveh, Mosul (Iraq) studies and researches for the definition of guidelines in architectural restoration works of archaeological monumental structures in earth and stone
Consultant on Cultural Heritage Conservation, Architect/Restorer: The Restoration of the Church of Nativity – Bethlehem: analysis, diagnosis and restoration project of decorated surfaces, mosaics, wall paintings. The Palestinian Presidential National Committee
September 2007 to November 2018
Coordination of and participation in the team of School of Specialization in Architectural Heritage and Landscape, Sapienza University of Rome S. Sarmati (conservator), E. Concina (conservation) who: a) prepared final drawings of the conservation project; b) thematic tables concerning: iconography, materials, executive techniques, colour, state of conservation, previous interventions; c) supervised and verified all the different phases of the restoration site.
Consultant, Expert on Cultural Heritage Conservation and Management: Studies, investigations and definition of the guiding regulation for the conservation of colouring and architectural surfaces in the historic centre of Ceglie Messapica (BR). C.I.T.E.R.A. Centre, Sapienza University of Rome and Municipality of Ceglie Messapica (BR, Italy)
June 2011 to October 2012
Consultant, Architect/Restorer: Recovery and enhancement of the historic centre of Mesola: from the analysis of public spaces to the study of the fifth urban fabric in the historic fabric of Mesola (FE, Italy)
Project for the recovery and enhancement of the historic centre of Mesola (FE), drafting of conservation intervention guidelines and operational criteria
Development of Integrated Automatic Procedures for Restoration of Monuments) - (DIAPReM) University of Ferrara - Municipal Administration of Mesola (FE, Italy).
June 2007 to November 2008
Consultant, Advisor on Architect/Restorer: [https://pompeiisites.org/en/archaeological-park-of-pompeii/], Sapienza University of Rome, University of Ferrara
June 2004 to October 2007
- Planner and director of works for the restoration and conservation site of several workshops (wall paintings, plasters, wall structures) in Via dell'Abbondanza in Pompeii: the workshop of the felt maker Verecundus, a dye works with a kiln, a felt maker workshop and the Asellina Termopolio.
- Organiser and director of the site school for students at Sapienza University of Rome and University of Ferrara.
Research and Conservation work on the Colosseum in Rome: the scientific analysis, photographic documentation, surfaces’ colour survey and monitoring of the restoration interventions on the architectonical surfaces of the Colosseum. Superintendency Archaeology of Rome, Sapienza University of Rome
June 1998 to October 2004
- Multispectral investigations, mineralogical-petrographic analyses, survey of the colour of the north front for the monitoring of architectural surfaces during cleaning.
- Study of materials, assessment of the state of conservation on the architectural surfaces of the north passage and the vaulted cryptoporticus decorated with plaster and stone slabs, known as the ‘Commodus passage’,
In addition, he has directly supervised or participated as a consultant in numerous restoration projects and interventions, in several of which, indicated with (*), he has also contributed to the organisation and management of worksite schools and didactic internships, including:
(*) Odescalchi Castle in Bracciano (Rome) (2016-2020); (*) Hall of the golden vault of the Domus Aurea in Rome (2008-09); (*) Pieve dei SS. Pietro e Paolo in Ravenna (2002-06, 2014-16); (*) Pieve di Santa Maria in Acquedotto in Forlì, (2009-015); Kongo Rikishi at the Conservation and Restoration Centre La Venaria Reale (Turin) (2007-2008: a 3D scan of a Japanese polychrome wooden sculpture from the Kamakura period (1185-1333 A.D.) was designed and realised. ); (*) Asellina workshops in Verecundus (Regio IX, Insulae 7 and 11), Insula of the Casti Amanti (IX, 12), House of Paquio Proculus (I, 7), House of Trebius Valens (III 2 and 1), House of the Pig (IX 9, c), House of Julia Felix (II, 4 and 3), at the archaeological site of Pompeii (2004-07); (*) Flavian Amphitheatre in Rome (2001-04); (*) Jewish Cemetery in Ferrara (2002-05): a surveying, cataloguing and restoration project was carried out); Ebla - Tell Mardikh in Syria (2001: an assessment of the state of conservation of the archaeological structures and restoration work was carried out on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs); Deir Mar Musa Monastery in Nebek in Syria (2001: an assessment of the restoration work on the wall paintings was carried out on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs); Floor Mosaic of Apamea, at the National Museum of Damascus in Syria (2001: restoration project on behalf of the Directorate of Antiquities and Museums of Syria); (*) Insula del Centenario (IX, 8) in Pompeii (1999-2003); (*) Mura Malatestiane di Montiano (Forlì-Cesena) (1999-2001); (*) Portico of the Basilica di S. Maria dei Servi di Bologna (2003-04); Torre Campanaria del Duomo di Agrigento (2003); (*) Medieval Castle of Cusercoli (Forlì-Cesena) (2007-12); Rocchette and Pannocchieschi Castles of Massa Marittima (Grosseto) (2009-10); Castle of the Marquises del Carretto di Garlenda (Savona) (2010-11); (*) Sanctuary of Fornò di Forlimpopoli (Forlì-Cesena) (2010-12); (*) Castle of Harim in Syria (1999-2000); Bell tower of S.. Maria in Fabriago (Lugo-Ravenna) (2002-03); Trajan's Arch in Benevento (2000-01); (*) Mausoleum of Theodoric in Ravenna (2001); Theodora and Justinian's mosaic panels at the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna (2000); (*) Fortified complex of Castelnuovo (Forlì-Cesena) (1997-2006); Walls and church of St Catherine of Valletta in Malta (1998-99); (*) Portico of the church of the S.S. Annunziata at Porta Procula in Bologna (1996-97); Malatesta Temple in Rimini (1998); (*) Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (1996); (*) Loggiato dei Legisti dell'Archiginnasio in Bologna (1996-97); (*) Neonian Baptistery in Ravenna (1995-98); Medieval village of Minerbio (Bologna) (1996); Porticoes of San Luca (Bologna) (1994-96).
LECTURES
Held numerous lectures and seminars in various research and university centers, among which Sapienza University of Rome, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Universidade de São Paulo (Brasile), Università Federale di Minas Gerais (Brasile), University of Ferrara, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Università di Damasco, Università di Padova, University of Venezia, University of Parma, University of Florence, Università di Pisa, Università Cattolica di Milano, Politecnico di Milano, Technische Universität Berlin.
OVERALL RESEARCH PRODUCTS
- over 190 papers,
- 2 contributions for TRATTATO DI RESTAURO ARCHITETTONICO (G. Carbonara), UTET Scienze Tecniche, and 9 contributions to the Encyclopedia d’Architettura Wikitecnica, Wolters Kluwer Italia.
- 3 books.
