Aim of the course

Aim of the course is to bring the students to approach the theme of conservation of the built heritage, following a process that leads to understanding how the legacy of the past - if appropriately protected and enhanced - can constitute a fundamental resource to be used in a conscious way. Its complexity should be taken into due account for the construction of the future city and landscape.

Basic definitions will be presented to give the students the possibility to understand what is commonly meant with the concepts of monument, cultural heritage, restoration, conservation, material culture, authenticity, memory, identity, etc. A method will be provided of reading both monumental architectures and diffused historical buildings and to promote a thorough knowledge of their most relevant structural and morphological aspects.

In particular, the main elements of traditional construction will be presented (foundations, columns, pilasters, arches, vaults, walls, roofs) and their interaction within different structural patterns. Addressing different historical periods, the importance of the choice of materials, the relationship between form and function, the rule of art will be particularly highlighted. Basic technical tools will be described, including elements of graphic and photographic survey, historical analysis through direct and indirect sources of information, methods of cataloguing bibliographic and archives sources.

The different contributions will be addressed to stimulate students to develop personal critical synthesis and to gain awareness of how a restoration project should be respectful of the cultural values and materials that have stratified over time on the built landscape, as well as related to innovation requirements dictated by contemporary needs.

Structure of the course

Ex cathedra lessons will be complemented by classroom activities, exercises and possible seminar initiatives. The course will include the visit to Milano monumental case studies. Each student will be involved in a tutorial focused on the study of a building which will be chosen in agreement with the teachers and will be the object of a written report. The assessment of the report, of which a detailed description will be given in the classroom, will be part of the exam.

Assessment methods

The final mark will be based on the results of the following tests: 

Written test - multiple choice theoretical questions on the course topics, including the contents of the bibliography and the lessons

Oral presentation - individual presentation of autonomous activities developed as part of the course

Evaluation of tutorial elaborates - discussion and evaluation of group activities

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