Research training course

The project intends to focus on the birth of institutions that have become, in some cases, reference points for conservation activities in the Peninsula, from the Institute of Pinacology and Restoration in Naples, to the Gabinetto Restauri della Soprintendenza delle Belle Arti in Florence, founded by Ugo Procacci in the same year, 1932.

Training Objectives

The candidates' overall approach to a separate and distinct bibliography, sometimes considered in a biased manner, would instead allow them to address a series of experiences that were later overtaken, and in some cases, cancelled by the birth of the Istituto Centrale per il Restauro, created at the behest of Giulio Carlo Argan, Cesare Brandi and the Fascist Minister Bottai in 1939.

Role of the Student

Interested students are asked to write a short paper under the supervision of the tutor and to present the results during the lessons of the History of Art Criticism course.

Proposing teacher and tutor
Prof. Eliana Carrara

Conclusion of research
The project is to be developed by September 2026.

The aim of the project is to enable a student to explore the theme of the analysis of graphic and archival sources for the study of modern architecture within its context, urban and otherwise. Specifically, the proposed project will allow students to work on the reading of the graphic language, both historical and contemporary, of architecture, analysing, together with the tutor teacher and in the various sites of competence (e.g. Together with the tutor and in the various centres of competence (e.g. Genoa State Archives, the Municipality's Historical Archive, DOCSAI Centre), the teacher will analyse archive documents, drawings, cartographies on an urban and territorial scale, photographs, projects and surveys, calculations and contracts.) If necessary and possible, inspections will also be carried out, together with the lecturer, in order to deepen the relationship between the graphic artefact and the built artefact.

Training objectives

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1. To learn how to make the best use of graphic and documentary sources relating to modern architecture, also through the use of databases and digital archives available online
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2. Develop the ability to analyse and critically read graphic and technical sources relating to architecture as well as knowledge relating to their reproduction
3. To acquire and use the terms of the technical language of the sector

Student's Role

• Collaborate with the tutor teacher on the compilation of a reasoned and up-to-date reference bibliography useful for the history of architectural and urban artefacts in the modern age.
The student will also be involved in the development of a bibliography of the history of architectural and urban artefacts in the modern age.
• To keep up to date through participation in seminars and presentations.
• The research and studies carried out during the project, should the student so wish, may constitute the first part of a Master's thesis having the tutor as supervisor and dedicated to an agreed case study.

Proposing lecturer and tutor
Prof. Sara Rulli

Research Completion
The project is to be developed by September 2026.

This project is intended to enable a student to study in depth the funds and photographic sources preserved at the Documentation Centre for the History, Art and Image of Genoa (DOCSAI - Via ai Quattro Canti di San Francesco 49-51).

The centre preserves numerous photographic records of the architectural, urban and social development of the Ligurian capital. The centre preserves a great deal of material and photographic documentation of the architectural, urban and social development of the Ligurian capital. The images produced and deposited in this context constitute sources of extraordinary historical value, not only for their ability to restore the state of the places and monuments and the social changes in the city, but also for the way they reflect the criteria of representation and the operating methods of public and private bodies in the central years of the 20th century. The main object of investigation will therefore be the realisation of a historical-critical analysis that relates the photographic images with their historical, artistic and documentary context, highlighting the links between visual production and the cultural reality of the period; this project may offer new perspectives on the role of the photographer as mediator between art, institution and city.

Educational Objectives

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1. Identify other photographic funds (Carabiniere fund, Cresta fund, etc.) or reference archives that can contribute to the understanding of the materials studied and, at the same time, represent an enrichment for the institutions involved through new research and valorisation connections.

The aim is to develop a bibliography of the photographic archives of the city.

2. Develop a reasoned and in-depth bibliography, useful to support the analysis and provide relevant methodological and theoretical references
3. Develop skills of analysis and critical reading of the photographic image. Acquire and use the terms of the technical language of the sector. Acquire the ability to scientifically file a photograph according to the specificities of the Pimcore platform in use at the Genoa Museums Catalogue
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Student role

In order to achieve the training objectives set out above, the student must periodically meet with tutors and produce a brief report of the work carried out, the methodology used and the results obtained.

Proposing Lecturer
Prof. Alessandro Ferraro

Teaching tutors
prof. Leo Lecci / prof. Alessandro Ferraro

Conclusion of research
The project is to be developed by September 2026.