Introduction to architectural restoration
The restoration project
Conservation techniques for architectural heritage
The materials conservation project
The conservation project of the structures
The reuse project and functional rehabilitation
The restoration site
The maintenance project
Outlines of archaeological restoration
Communication in restoration and enhancement
Conservation and sustainability
Course Content - Part D
Theoretical foundations of conservation and restoration in their historical development. Analysis and identification of degradation phenomena and causes, in view of the conservation actions. Knowledge of building materials used in historic buildings and their production. Constructive characteristics of historic buildings. Methods and processes for the design of conservative maintenance, rehabilitation, strengthening and reuse of historic buildings.
History and theory of restoration
Riegl, Alois (S. Scarrocchia, ed.) 2011, Il culto moderno dei monumenti. Il suo carattere e i suoi inizi - Abscondita: Milano.
Brandi, Cesare, 2012, Teoria del restauro - Einaudi: Torino, (1 ed. 1963)
Torsello, Paolo, B. (ed.), 2005, Che cos’è il restauro? Nove studiosi a confronto - Marsilio: Padova.
Ruskin, John, 1849, The seven lamps of architecture - Wiley: Oxford.
Torsello, Paolo B., 2001, Restauro architettonico. Padri, teorie, immagini - Angeli: Milano.
Casiello, Stella, 2005, La cultura del restauro. Teorie e fondatori - Marsilio: Padova.
Casiello, Stella, 2008, Verso una storia del restauro. Dall’età classica al primo Ottocento - Firenze.
Basic texts and manuals for restoration interventions
Bellini, Amedeo (ed.), 2001, Tecniche della conservazione - Angeli: Milano.
Musso, Stefano – Torsello, Paolo, 2003, Tecniche di restauro architettonico - UTET: Milano, (2 vol.)
Gurrieri, Francesco (a cura di), 2013, Dizionario generale del restauro - Mandragora: Firenze
Zevi, Luca (a cura di), 2008, Manuale del restauro architettonico - Mancosu: Roma, (1° 2000)
Conservation of materials
Lazzarini, Lorenzo - Laurenzi Tabasso Laura, 2010, Il restauro della Pietra - UTET: Milano
Pedemonte, Enrico - Fornari G., 2006, Chimica e restauro. La scienza dei materiali per l’architettura - Marsilio: Venezia.
Amoroso, Giovanni, 2002, Trattato di scienza della conservazione dei monumenti - Alinea: Firenze.
Cigni, G. - Codacci Pisanelli, B. - Umidità e degrado negli edifici. Diagnosi e rimedi – Kappa Roma, 1987
Monaco, L. M. – Santamaria, Armando - Indagini, prove e monitoraggio nel restauro degli edifici storici – ESI: Napoli, 1998
Centauro, G. A. (ed.) - Tecnologie e conservazione degli apparati pittorici e del colore dell’edilizia storica - Poggibonsi, 2008
Tampone, Gennaro - Il restauro delle strutture in legno – Hoepli: Milano, 1996
Dohene E., Price C., 2010, Stone Conservation: an overview of current research, Getty, Los Angeles.
Conservation and enhancement of the structures
Vinci, Michele, 2014, Metodi di calcolo e tecniche di consolidamento per edifici in muratura - Palermo.
Mastrodicasa, Sisto, 1993, Dissesti statici delle strutture edilizie. Diagnosi, consolidamento - HOEPLI: Milano (rist. 2010)
Podesta, Stefano, 2012, Verifica sismica di edifici in muratura - Flaccovio: Palermo.
Specific technical solutions
Del Curto, D. (ed.), 2010, Ambiente interno e conservazione: Il controllo del clima in musei e edifici storici - Nardini, Firenze
Pinto Guerra, Edgardo, 2011, Risanamento di murature umide e degradate - Flaccovio: Palermo.
Cigni, Giuseppe - Codacci Pisanelli, Biancaneve, 1987, Umidità e degrado negli edifici.Diagnosi e rimedi – Kappa: Roma.
Germani, L. - Franceschi, S. - Capitolato speciale di appalto. Restauro architettonico - DEI: Roma, 2003
The project of reuse and architectural integration
De Vita M., 2015, Architetture nel tempo: dialoghi della materia, nel restauro, Firenze University Press, Firenze.
De Gracia F., 1992, Construir en lo construido, La arquitectura como modificación, Editorial Nerea.
Carbonara G., 2011, Architettura d’oggi e restauro. Un confronto antico-nuovo, UTET, Torino.
Didactic material provided by the professor.
THEORY AND HISTORY OF RESTORATION:
B.P.Torsello, Restauro architettonico. Padri, teorie, immagini, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 1984.
M.P. Sette, Il restauro in architettura. Quadro storico, UTET, Torino, 2001.
B.P. Torsello (a cura di), Che cos’è il restauro?, Marsilio, Venezia, 2005.
MATERIAL DECAY AND CONSERVATION:
Scheda NORMAL 1-88 – Alterazioni macroscopiche dei materiali lapidei: lessico.
UNI 11182/2006 - Materiali lapidei naturali ed artificiali. Descrizione della forma di alterazione - Termini e definizioni.
Illustrated glossary on stone deterioration patterns, ICOMOS-ISCS, 2008.
B.P. Torsello, S.F. Musso, Tecniche di restauro architettonico, UTET, Torino, 2003.
MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION CHARACTERS OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS:
U. Menicali, I materiali dell’edilizia storica, NIS, Roma, 1992.
P. Donati, Legno, pietra e terra. L’arte del costruire, Giunti, Firenze, 1990.
E. Zamperini, Capriate e tetti di legno. Evoluzione tipologica e tecnologica delle strutture lignee di copertura (1800-1950), CLU, Pavia, 2019.
STRUCTURAL DECAY AND STRENGTHENING:
S. Mastrodicasa, Dissesti statici delle strutture edilizie, Hoepli, Milano, 1993.
G. Tampone, Il restauro delle strutture di legno, Hoepli, Milano, 1996.
F. Laner, Il restauro delle strutture di legno, Grafill, Palermo, 2011.
Learning Objectives - Part C
Provide students with in-depth knowledge of:
1) Materials and techniques for architectural conservation
2) Basic concepts of architectural conservation theory through historical passages in different cultural contexts.
2) Tools (methodological, technical and critical) essential to the preparation of a correct conservation and functional rehabilitation process of a historic building
At the end of the laboratory the student will have to:
1) Achieve an adequate degree of awareness of the characteristics of the intervention on the built:
- operational contents and main interdisciplinary connections
- historical, cultural and contemporary growth resource significance
2) Being able to create a synthesis of the material and immaterial values preserved by an architectural artefact as well as assessing their level of recognition and collective sharing.
3) To be able to set up a correct planning process for the conservation of existing architectural artefacts
4) Implement one's own skills in evaluating the conceptual choices for managing the recognized values of an architectural artefact.
4) Be able to develop an architectural reuse and reworking project compatible with the cultural values and material testimony of an architectural artifact.
Learning Objectives - Part D
Acquire awareness of the themes of conservative restoration and current metodological trends.
Acquire the fundamental bases for knowledge of the material and construction aspects of historic buildings.
Acquire basic knowledge related to investigation and intervention techniques in the field of conservation of building materials, restoration and consolidation of building structures, and of their compatible reuse.
Prerequisites - Part C
A basic knowledge of the following topics is strongly recommended:
outlines of architectural history;
historical and traditional construction techniques;
characters and pathologies of traditional materials;
architectural relief;
static;
failure of the structures;
methodologies and tools for diagnostics.
Prerequisites - Part D
Have passed the examination of Restoration Workshop I
Teaching Methods - Part C
The teaching of the course is divided into lectures, visits, exercises and project activities:
CLASSROOM LECTURES:
The lectures on the basic topics of the course will be accompanied by seminars and in-depth communications on specific topics and case studies. Events, conventions and conferences on conservation issues will be reported during the course.
VISITS AND INSPECTIONS:
Compatibly with the time available and with the possibility of travel, study visits to sites and monuments, construction sites and restoration laboratories will be planned, aimed at facilitating the comparison and collection of specific information useful for the development of one's research path. The inspections will also favor the observation and technological reading of the conservation solutions implemented, in their technological dimension and architectural language.
INDIVIDUAL EXERCISES:
The laboratory involves carrying out some individual exercises in the classroom, outside, at home, for the application and verification of the topics covered. The exercises must always be delivered within the times established on the moodle platform.
GROUP PROJECT RESEARCH:
All the activities of the laboratory will flow into the development of a design research aimed at setting up a process of conservation and architectural rehabilitation of an existing architectural artifact proposed by the teacher. The project research will consist of some exercises, to be carried out preferably in groups (max 3). The theme assigned to each group will be of adequate size to be reasonably treated during the duration of the course. Each exercise will consist of two types of papers: a text document (illustrative report of the path taken and the results obtained, tables, specific texts), 1 table in A2 format (to be doubled if necessary). Detailed indications on the papers to be presented and graphic templates to be used will be provided during the course. The deadline for the delivery of group exercises will be communicated in advance and will tend to take place one week before the exam date. The group exercises will be subject to reviews, verifications and investigations, mainly collective. Compatibly with the general and individual travel possibilities, on-site inspections are provided for the object of the project research, which will be agreed in advance with the class.
Any alternative study topic that each student intends to propose must:
- be agreed in advance with the teacher
- have small dimensions, so that it can be carried out during the duration of the course
- present a conservation status of adequate complexity
- be freely accessible
Teaching Methods - Part D
The teaching of the course involves, in addition to ex-cathedra lessons, class exercises and on site inspections to buildings and monuments. In the context of the Lab, individually or in the small groups, a survey of a building is made by the students which is aimed at the restoration project, for conservation and functional rehabilitation (case study).
Further information - Part C
Reviews of research works and interviews with students will take place on a weekly basis at the end of the lesson, in the same classroom. For any further needs or appointments, contact the teacher at the address: michele.coppola@unifi.it
Further information - Part D
Student project reviews can take place both face to face and online.
Type of Assessment - Part C
Verification of learning, knowledge and critical and methodological tools acquired will be carried out through:
Evaluation of the results of the exercises
Evaluation of participation in activities
Evaluation of the results of the group project research
The evaluation of the final exam
1, 2) EVALUATION OF EXERCISES and ACTIVITIES
They will constitute intermediate tests to verify the training processes. Details on the evaluation methods and results will be constantly communicated and discussed during the laboratory.
3) EVALUATION OF THE GROUP'S PROJECT RESEARCH
Group project research will be assessed with a single vote for all members of the group which will take into account the ability to apply the knowledge acquired, the acquisition of critical tools, the quality of the documents presented and the results achieved.
4) FINAL EXAMINATION TEST
The final exam consists of an individual and group interview on the topics covered during the course, on the bibliography, on the methods and results of the exercises and of the final project research.
FINAL VOTE. The final grade will be based on the average of the results achieved in individual exercises, in group research, in group research and in the exam interview. In defining the result, the growth path of each student will be taken into account.
N. B. Students wishing to take the exam WITHOUT ATTENDING the course are required to report it to the teacher to agree on an adequate work program.
Type of Assessment - Part D
For admission to the exam, students must have completed the analysis, diagnosis and project documents relating to the case study, which will be agreed with the professor.
Course program - Part C
Main topics and purpose of the course
Like all architectural projects, the restoration project of an architectural artifact is based on a phase of knowledge that leads to a series of technical and cultural choices. The choices are all the more correct the more adequate the preliminary knowledge phase is. If we keep the old buildings it is because, in addition to an economic and functional value, they contain cultural elements for which the restorer becomes responsible towards the communities to which they belong. From a technical point of view, like a doctor, the restorer makes a diagnosis and decides on the best therapy. He knows methods, techniques and materials suitable for treating building diseases. But this is not enough. From a cultural point of view, the restorer reactivates the presence of the building in contemporary life and combines functional, technical, spatial characteristics with design methods that preserve the values of the building as a testimony, a historical document and authenticity. The aim of the course is to implement critical skills and operational tools to stimulate the care process on the existing architecture and make the right cultural choices. The course will clarify the main phases of a restoration project from investigation to maintenance: the purpose of the project (technical correctness and cultural value), the phases of the project, the methods to develop the necessary knowledge (the critical, cultural and technical tools) . The first part of the course will focus on the knowledge of historical materials and construction techniques, providing the methodological tools for the multidisciplinary analysis of the building, to trace an adequate knowledge and diagnosis. The second part of the course will focus on the historical and current cultural passages that have led to conservative choices in different contexts. The goal is to implement the ability to evaluate the conceptual management choices of the recognized values of a building. The methodological and technical issues necessary to make autonomous operational decisions and develop an adequate design path will be discussed. Through the analysis of its significant phases, students will learn the methods of preparing a conservation project. Attention will be paid to the sustainability of the intervention (correct materials and techniques, adequate and feasible use and maintenance). At the end of the workshop, students must be able to: 1) reach an adequate degree of awareness of the characteristics of the intervention on the built (operational contents and main interdisciplinary connections, historical, cultural significance and contemporary resource of growth); 2) create a synthesis of the material and immaterial values preserved by an architectural artefact as well as the evaluation of their level of recognition and collective sharing; 3) set up a correct planning process for the conservation of existing architectural artefacts; 4) to implement one's ability to evaluate the conceptual choices of managing the recognized values of an architectural artefact; 5) Develop a project of reuse and architectural reworking compatible with the cultural values and material testimony of an architectural artifact.
The didactic activities will address the following themes:
Introduction to architectural restoration
Basic definitions and concepts. Objectives and fields of application of the discipline;
Historical overview of the theory and practice of architectural conservation;
Cultural and technical knots of the current debate. Restoration papers. Standards.
The restoration project
Procedures, documents, subjects involved and bureaucratic process of the preliminary, final and executive project;
Economic evaluation and management of the restoration project;
Italian legislative framework; the European and international situation.
Conservation techniques of architectural artifacts
General framework, assumptions and design applications;
Traditional and modern operating procedures; methods for checking effectiveness;
The quality of the conservation project; models, tests and experiments in the laboratory and on site;
Role, problems and current trends in scientific research.
The materials conservation project
Methodological guidelines for the choice and design of the intervention;
Traditional and modern techniques for the treatment of materials. Main regulatory references;
Interventions for humidity problems in historic buildings.
The conservation project of the structures
The structural consolidation of historic buildings: methods for the choice and design of the intervention;
Traditional and modern consolidation techniques;
Criteria and methodologies for the restoration of buildings affected by an earthquake;
The seismic improvement; main regulatory references.
The reuse project and functional rehabilitation
Adaptation, regulation of historic buildings (systems, architectural barriers, safety, accessibility);
Functional and architectural reworking, case studies;
Main regulatory references.
The restoration site
Organization, safety, roles, figures;
Historical site practices; main Italian regulatory references.
The maintenance project
The management of the evolutionary processes of buildings;
Objectives and potential of prevention and maintenance;
Drafting and management of a maintenance plan; main regulatory references.
Outlines of archaeological restoration
Conservation and maintenance techniques of architectural artefacts reduced to a state of ruin;
Disciplinary field and historical evolution. Main regulatory references;
Case studies in the Mediterranean area.
Communication in restoration and enhancement
the museumization of the architectural monuments;
virtual heritage and digital usability of historical and monumental buildings;
Conservation and sustainability
The value (economic, cultural, anthropological, etc.) of the interventions in relation to the communities;
Perspectives of contemporary conservation.
Didactic structure
The teaching of the course is divided into lectures, visits, exercises and project activities:
CLASSROOM LECTURES:
The lectures on the basic topics of the course will be accompanied by seminars and in-depth communications on specific topics and case studies. Events, conventions and conferences on conservation issues will be reported during the course.
VISITS AND INSPECTIONS:
Compatibly with the time available and with the possibility of travel, study visits to sites and monuments, construction sites and restoration laboratories will be planned, aimed at facilitating the comparison and collection of specific information useful for the development of one's research path. The inspections will also favor the observation and technological reading of the conservation solutions implemented, in their technological dimension and architectural language.
INDIVIDUAL EXERCISES:
The laboratory involves carrying out some individual exercises in the classroom, outside, at home, for the application and verification of the topics covered. The exercises must always be delivered within the times established on the moodle platform.
GROUP PROJECT RESEARCH:
All the activities of the laboratory will flow into the development of a design research aimed at setting up a process of conservation and architectural rehabilitation of an existing architectural artifact proposed by the teacher. The project research will consist of some exercises, to be carried out preferably in groups (max 3). The theme assigned to each group will be of adequate size to be reasonably treated during the duration of the course. Each exercise will consist of two types of papers: a text document (illustrative report of the path taken and the results obtained, tables, specific texts), 1 table in A2 format (to be doubled if necessary). Detailed indications on the papers to be presented and graphic templates to be used will be provided during the course. The deadline for the delivery of group exercises will be communicated in advance and will tend to take place one week before the exam date. The group exercises will be subject to reviews, verifications and investigations, mainly collective. Compatibly with the general and individual travel possibilities, on-site inspections are provided for the object of the project research, which will be agreed in advance with the class.
Any alternative study topic that each student intends to propose must:
- be agreed in advance with the teacher
- have small dimensions, so that it can be carried out during the duration of the course
- present a conservation status of adequate complexity
- be freely accessible
Recommended knowledge: a basic knowledge of the following topics is strongly recommended: features of the history of architecture, building materials and historical and traditional construction techniques, architectural survey, features of statics and construction science, characters and pathologies of traditional materials, instability structures, methodologies and tools for diagnostics.
Learning assessment methods
Verification of learning, knowledge and critical and methodological tools acquired will be carried out through:
Evaluation of the results of the exercises
Evaluation of participation in activities
Evaluation of the results of the group project research
The evaluation of the final exam
1, 2) EVALUATION OF EXERCISES and ACTIVITIES
They will constitute intermediate tests to verify the training processes. Details on the evaluation methods and results will be constantly communicated and discussed during the laboratory.
3) EVALUATION OF THE GROUP'S PROJECT RESEARCH
Group project research will be assessed with a single vote for all members of the group which will take into account the ability to apply the knowledge acquired, the acquisition of critical tools, the quality of the documents presented and the results achieved.
4) FINAL EXAMINATION TEST
The final exam consists of an individual and group interview on the topics covered during the course, on the bibliography, on the methods and results of the exercises and of the final project research.
FINAL VOTE. The final grade will be based on the average of the results achieved in individual exercises, in group research, in group research and in the exam interview. In defining the result, the growth path of each student will be taken into account.
N. B. Students wishing to take the exam WITHOUT ATTENDING the course are required to report it to the teacher to agree on an adequate work program.
Course program - Part D
Outlines of the history of restoration: Vollet-Le-Duc, Ruskin, Boito, Beltrami, Riegl, Giovannoni, Annoni, Pane, Bonelli, Brandi, Dezzi Bardeschi, Bellini, Torsello, Carbonara, Marconi.
Building materials: wood, ferrous materials, natural stone materials, artificial stone materials, reinforced concrete.
Historical building techniques: walls, arches and vaults; floors and roofs; reinforced concrete structures; foundations.
Degradation of building materials and conservation techniques.
Static instability and strengthening.
Seismic risk and improvement.
Sustainable Development Goals 2030 - Part C
4 - quality education
9 - Industry, infrastructure innovation
11 - sustainable cities and communities
12 - responsible consumption and production