Programme

The major aim of the course is to present students with a critical assessment of different theories of restoration, by considering that all theories are linked to a particular moment in history and, above all, that contemporary theory of restoration – including the charters for conservation, programmes and the principles guiding the preservation – has to be considered as a possible interpretation of the past and not as a definitive scientific achievement.
Lectures are focused on the history of restoration from the late eighteenth century until the twentieth century in Italy and in Europe. Many examples from Rome are used to highlight the different ways of interpretation and actualization of the historical heritage.
The students will work on the construction of a type of “observatory” of contemporary restoration, through analysis and critical assessment of ongoing work on architectural heritage in Rome.

Core Documentation

The adopted texts are selected by the students and agreed with the teacher within the list of the reference bibliography

Type of delivery of the course

The course takes place with a series of seminar lessons and visits to some Roman monuments selected on the basis of the themes proposed in the course.

Attendance

Attendance is required for at least 75% of the lessons

Type of evaluation

Final oral examination, focusing on the topics discussed in the course.