LEARNING OUTCOMES

The theoretical side of the course aims to help students to be aware of the discipline’s topics and issues related to conservation, maintenance and appreciation of architectural heritage as a collective resource and an essential testament to our history. It does so by drawing on the historical and theoretical foundation developed during the undergraduate L-17 Course as well as providing the most important concepts of the discipline.
During the theoretical-practical Workshop students will simulate a restoration project and use the conceptual and operative tools acquired, which are key to dealing with historical architecture appropriately, with particular reference to listed buildings.
 

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The Course aims to provide students with the following skills:

• Learning and using the knowledge deriving from the debate in restoration as well as the legislative and normative texts on restoration as well.   
• Surveying and analysing an architectural artefact in all its morphological and constructive components as well as linking them with the relative historical period and archaeological stratification.
• Assessing the state of the stability and conservation of the structure; identifying the causes of its degradation and instability and the possible historical reasons behind them as well as potential evolution with the passing of time.
• Organising and compiling technical sheets regarding the analytical and diagnostic phases.
• Learning and correctly using intervention techniques to tackle degradation and instability and prevent further possible pathologies.
• Assessing the systems and technology required to combine the constant use and reuse of the historical artefact with that of preserving it and its formal qualities.
• Identifying the possible solutions for the future maintenance of the artefact.

Preparing technical and admin sheets for restoration projects

PREREQUISITES

The following topics form a fundamental basis in understanding the themes covered in the Course:

• History of architecture
• History and theory of restoration
• Constructive characteristics of load-bearing wall constructions
• Survey and representation of architecture

Furthermore, it is essential to learn how to use the correct technical terminology for historical architecture as well as the tools for analysis and regional planning.

TEACHING METHODS

Classes are as follows:

• Monographic lessons on the aforementioned topics;
• Workshops in groups of 3-5 students on the restoration project of historical artefact (which does not need to be a monument). Workshops can take place in the lecture room or on site; therefore the project site needs to be accessible, with recognisable historical-spatial-formal qualities as well as clearly requiring restoration;
• Conferences and technical site visits to interact directly with officials and professionals working in the field of restoration.

The topics are analysed integrating moments for reflection and experimentation, in order to guide students to the completion of a definitive restoration project.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The Course examines the discipline of restoration in all its aspects: from its theoretical and methodological basis of a historical, philosophical and scientific nature, to the methods and techniques for surveying, analysing and diagnosing historical structures; from the general contents and elements of a restoration project to the methods and techniques of intervention on specific parts of building and its specific material. The various topics are considered within the contemporary theoretical-disciplinary context of Restoration together with the national and international regulations on protection, preservation and restoration of existing architectural (urban and rural) heritage. Moreover, the Course investigates the relationships connecting architecture with its natural or artificial context, as these will be pivotal elements in making decisions in the restoration project.

The restoration project, developed in the Workshop, is an educational opportunity to synergistically use the skills and abilities provided by this and other courses of the Course of Studies.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Essential bibliography (fundamental study material for the exam)

• Aa Vv, Cos’è il restauro? Nove studiosi a confronto, Venezia: Marsilio, 2005.
• Carbonara G., Trattato di restauro architettonico, Torino: Utet, 1996 (vol. I, sez. A, pp 3-73)
• Musso S.F. (a cura di), Recupero e restauro degli edifici storici. Guida pratica al rilievo e alla diagnostica, Roma: EPC Libri, 2016 (4° edizione aggiornata e ampliata).
• Musso S.F. (a cura di), Tecniche di restauro. Aggiornamento, Torino: UTET, 2013 (saggi generali e saggi introduttivi a ogni specifica categoria di intervento).

Due to the broad and complex nature of the subjects studied, bibliographical references will be provided during classes on the online platform, AulaWeb, and additional support material will be provided to guarantee easy access to the basic information communicated during the Course. The material uploaded on AulaWeb is a supplementary support only and must not in any way substitute the regular attendance to the classes.

   Detailed bibliography (recommended but not compulsory)

Knowledge of historical structures:

• Cagnana A., Archeologia dei materiali da costruzione, Mantova: Società Archeologica Padana, 2000.

Archaeological analysis:

• Boato A., L’archeologia in architettura. Misurazioni, stratigrafie, datazioni, restauro, Venezia: Marsilio, 2008.

Degradation:

• Arcolao C., La diagnosi nel restauro architettonico. Tecniche, procedure, protocolli, Venezia: Marsilio, 2008.

Restoratorion project:

• Doglioni F., Nel restauro. Progetti per le architetture del passato, Venezia: Marsilio, 2008.

Technical terminology:

• Galliani G.V. (a cura di), Dizionario degli elementi costruttivi, Torino: Utet, 2001.

For an overview on the discipline in the last 30 years and to keep oneself updated, it is recommended to read the Journal of the Internal Conference on Science and Cultural Heritage in Bressanone (1985 to today).