Realization of A Preservation And Restoration Plan

Objectives of the course

In-depth knowledge of how to realize a preservation and restoration plan.

Theme and goals: The main goal of restoration is preserving architectural heritage and the best restoration tool is the preservation plan, through which information are organized and ever-present changes monitored. There are some characteristics and particularities that make the Restoration plan different from the Architectural plan: for example, information on the hardness of a building/structure, are collected through interdisciplinary researches. A recognisable analysis organizes, classifies and defines them in a clear methodological structure; all choices about the preservation intervention are based on these recognisable processes. A restoration plan demands data, collected through the study of architectural heritage, to be gathered and registered; dimensions and geometry, construction characteristics, interpreting spaces and paths, studying changes through time, analyses on the state of construction materials and elements in terms of preservation, like also the decay analysis. If data organisation is to be successful, transparent summaries are essential as to guarantee a coherent, reasonable and provable interpretation of the whole. Such an interpretation will not only give clear directives on interventions, but will also foresee the final result.

Prerequisites

Not required.

Assessment methods

Successfully carried out research work – a preservation plan/project – detailed expert’s graphic report.

Course contents

The total number of lecture hours will be divided between lectures and project activities. The lectures will be dealing with the various restoration project themes, in particular with:

• theoretical aspects of restoration, linked to the realization of the project;
• how a restoration project is structured: problems linked with registration and classification;
• knowledge of structures: data on the interpretation of extensions and geometrical characteristics, construction characteristics and the state of decay;
• information about the intervention; interventions for the re-employment of the structure and normative aspects;

A restoration planner’s job is to construct a project for a structure chosen by the professors. To make the realisation as easier as possible, students should take advantage of on-the-spot investigations, seminar and individual meeting’s conclusions.

Exercises

A restoration project planner is expected to construct a restoration plan/project for the structure chosen by the professors. To make the realisation as easier as possible, students should take advantage of on-the-spot investigations, seminar and individual meeting’s conclusions.

Recommended reading

Specific bibliography will be given during the lectures; as basic bibliography students can consult:

• G. Cristinelli (a cura di), Restauro e tecniche, Arsenale, Venezia, 1992.
• G. Cristinelli (a cura di), Restauro: tecniche e progetto, Rubbettino, 1994.
• F. Choay, L’allegoria del patrimonio, Officina, Roma, 1995.
• G. Carbonara, Avvicinamento al restauro, Liguori, Napoli, 1997.
• J. Jokilehto, A History of Architectural Conservation, ICCROM, 1999.