LABORATORIO DI RESTAURO M - Z

Academic Year 2023/2024 - 4° Year
Teaching Staff: Maria Rosaria VITALE and Chiara CIRCO
Credit Value: 12
Scientific field: ICAR/19 - Architectural restoration
Laboratories: 144 hours
Term / Semester:

Expected Learning Outcomes

The course aims to provide the tools for the elaboration of the restoration project of an architectural artefact presenting conservation problems. The main objective is therefore the acquisition of a project methodology that develops in three steps (knowledge, interpretation, definition of the intervention) presented in class lectures and put into practice by means of exercise activities.

The course moves from the integration of the historical, technological and structural knowledge acquired by the students in the previous years, using it appropriately in study and practical application activities aimed at the conservation of the architectural heritage.

The steps of the design process are illustrated through lessons that provide the knowledge for understanding the buildings (geometric and material consistency, interpretation of deterioration mechanisms and transformations that occurred over time) and for defining the appropriate intervention criteria for its conservation.

Course Structure

The course is divided into:

1) Lectures aimed at theoretical and methodological issues.

2) Laboratory activities.

Required Prerequisites

Propaedeuticity:

- Design studio 3

- Theory and History of Restoration

Basic knowledge: history of architecture, historical building technologies, static behavior of buildings.

Attendance of Lessons

Attendance is compulsory to the extent of 70% of the total number of hours of the course. For those entitled under art. 23 of the University Teaching Regulations, the percentage of compulsory attendance is 50%.

Detailed Course Content

Knowledge of historic buildings: the methodology of restoration design (knowledge, interpretation, and intervention). The knowledge phase: the survey and historical bibliographical research; the main documentary sources and their relationship with the artefact; the survey of construction techniques (elements and assemblages).

Analysis and interpretation of the state of conservation: identification on the building of the stratifications and the transformations occurred. Identification of the state of decay and deterioration and assessment of damage (crack pattern, collapse mechanisms, damage scenarios).

The restoration project: intervention criteria and guidelines (reversibility, compatibility and minimum intervention) and operational solutions. Compatible reuse of the built heritage, local and interventions on masonry organism; conservative intervention techniques: reinforcement and seismic improvement. The urban scale of restoration: redevelopment of public space in consolidated contexts.

Textbook Information

1. VARAGNOLI, C., La materia degli antichi edifici, in Trattato di restauro architettonico, diretto da G. Carbonara, Torino, Utet, 1996, vol. I (pp. 303-470)

2. FIORANI, D., Rilievo del degrado e diagnostica, in Trattato di restauro architettonico, diretto da G. Carbonara, Torino, Utet, 1996, vol. II (pp. 523-580).

3. GIUFFRÈ, A. Guida al progetto di restauro antisismico, in Giuffrè, A. (a cura di), Sicurezza e conservazione dei centri storici. Il caso Ortigia, Laterza, Bari, 1993, (pp. 151 -180).

4. DOGLIONI, F. Ruolo e salvaguardia delle evidenze stratigrafiche nel progetto e nel cantiere di restauro, Atti del Seminario Internacional de Arqueologìa de la Arquitectura- Vitoria-Gasteiz, 18-21 febbraio 2002, in “Arqueologìa de la Arquitectura”, n. 1, Università dei Paesi Baschi, Vitoria-Gasteiz, 2002, (pp.113-130).

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1Knowledge of historic buildingsVaragnoli 1996; Fiorani 1996
2Analysis and interpretation of the state of conservationFiorani 1996; Giuffrè 1993
3The restoration projectGiuffrè 1993; Doglioni 2002

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

The exhaustive performance of the exercise and active participation in the teaching activities of the course are necessary conditions for admission to the examination.

The exercise activities involve the production of drawings aimed at demonstrating the ability to apply the theoretical-practical knowledge acquired through the study and lectures proposed by the teacher.

The examination, purely individual, will include a discussion on the topics presented during the lectures and the evaluation of the pupils’ attainment in relation to the level at which the learning objectives defined in the Syllabus have been achieved.


The overall assessment of the work carried out in the course by each student will be determined by the following tests:

1. A final interview (i.e. a final written test) to assess the topics proposed in the lectures and the contents of the bibliography.

2. A critical illustration of the project exercises carried out during the course.

The average of the assessments of 1 and 2 will constitute the final examination grade.

For the assessment of the oral (o) or written (s) examination, the teacher will take into account the capability to demonstrate learning outcomes, apply a set of related knowledge, skills and competencies and properly use the technical language.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

Examples of exam questions: activities of the knowledge phase in the restoration project; definition of restoration project criteria; effects of earthquake on masonry buildings: damage mechanisms; assessment of the mechanical quality of a masonry wall.

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