AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to introduce the concept of cultural landscape and its evolution within the international debate on heritage conservation. It examines emblematic case studies that highlight challenges and best practices in managing the balance between protection and transformation. Through critical reflection on the management of cultural landscapes, the course addresses the complexities arising in a context of accelerating environmental, social, and economic change.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand and define the concept of cultural landscape, recognising its theoretical and regulatory development within the international framework of cultural heritage conservation.
• Critically analyse case studies of cultural landscapes, identifying recurrent challenges and effective strategies in managing conservation and transformation processes, while developing an awareness of the tensions between protection, development, and participation.
• Apply an interdisciplinary approach to the interpretation of cultural landscapes, with particular attention to planning tools, governance frameworks, and community engagement.

TEACHING METHODS

The course is delivered primarily through lectures. Field visits may also be considered, depending on feasibility.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course addresses the following main topics:

• Concepts of landscape and cultural landscape.
• The UNESCO World Heritage Convention and the definition of the concept of Cultural Landscape.
• The European Landscape Convention.
• Cultural landscapes and the Twentieth century.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

• UNESCO (1972) Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (https://whc.unesco.org/en/conventiontext/)
• UNESCO (2011) Recommendation on the Historic Urban Landscape (https://whc.unesco.org/en/hul/)
• ICOMOS-IFLA (2017), ICOMOS-IFLA Principles concerning Rural Landscapes as Heritage (https://www.icomos.org/images/DOCUMENTS/Charters/GA2017_6-3-1_RuralLandscapesPrinciples_EN_adopted-15122017.pdf)
• ICOMOS-TICCIH (2011), Joint ICOMOS – TICCIH Principles for the Conservation of Industrial Heritage Sites, Structures, Areas and Landscapes (Dublin Principles) (https://www.icomos.org/images/DOCUMENTS/Charters/GA2011_ICOMOS_TICCIH_joint_principles_EN_FR_final_20120110.pdf) 
• Council of Europe – CoE (2000) - Council of Europe Landscape Convention (ETS No. 176) (https://www.coe.int/en/web/landscape/text-of-the-european-landscape-convention)
• M. Agnoletti (a cura di) (2006). The conservation of cultural landscapes, CABI.
• R. Hermans, J. Kolen, H. Renes (a cura di) (2015), Landscape Biographies. Geographical, Historical and Archaeological Perspectives on the Production and Transmission of Landscapes, Amsterdam University Press (https://www.aup.nl/en/book/9789089644725/landscape-biographies)
• Pompejano F., Rocco S., Mauri S. (a cura di) (2025), Perspectives and Insights on (post)Industrial Landscapes and Heritage, Edifir-Edizioni Firenze (https://edifir.it/prodotto/perspectives-and-insights-on-post-industrial-landscapes-and-heritage-pdf/).
• S. Settis (2010), Paesaggio, Costituzione, cemento. La battaglia per l’ambiente contro il degrado civile, Einaudi.
• S. Settis (2013), Il paesaggio come bene comune, La Scuola di Pitagora Editrice.
• G. Peghin, A. Sanna (a cura di) (2012), Il Patrimonio urbano moderno. Esperienze e riflessioni per la Città del Novecento, Umberto Allemandi &C.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Classes begin in November.

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

See the “Final exam 1st year”.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

See the “Final exam 1st year”.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Ask the professor for other information not included in the form.