History and Theories of Architectural Conservation

This course provides an introduction to the history and theories of architectural heritage preservation and restoration and illustrates the relationship between theory and practice through time. Essential principles and significant protagonists are explored through face-to-face teaching, shared reading and seminar discussions. Site visits provide an opportunity to discuss different approaches to architectural heritage preservation.

To introduce students to the history of architectural heritage preservation and theories of architectural restoration.

To guide students through the fundamental issues of restoration and lead them to ask the right questions in front of the architectural artifact.

To show, through site visits and analysis of some case studies, the link between theory and practice that characterizes heritage protection through time.

To develop the ability to reconstruct and critically describe the history of a building and its restorations, as well as the history of the works contained therein.

In presence

60% Lectures 

25% Seminars

15% Site visits without overnight stay

Oral exam during examination session