Abstract

The MA  Project "The Beauty of Architectural Surfaces. An introduction to historical and technical aspects" is aiming at providing students with basic knowledge of the different manufacturing processes especially for the execution of architectural surfaces from Ancient times to Modern Eras.
The different styles in plastering will be taught and their importance with respect to political and iconographic aspects will be stressed. Degradation patterns and restoration techniques especially for architectural surfaces will be illustrated.
Deterioration patterns due to erosion, discolorations and deposit will be highlighted focusing on differences between colors, staining and patina stressing the idea of natural Patina as a value as well as the concept of patination in restoration.
Classes are designed in a dual form of frontal lectures and review meetings, spinning around the following applicative case study: the historic Munich slaughterhouse, along with its historic surrounding area.

(Step 1) The different manufacturing techniques of architectural surfaces starting from natural stoneworks to historic rendering techniques will be taught. Students will be asked to reproduce different types of surfaces in their ornamental compositions and aesthetic features by pencil drawing (design from models).
(Step 2) Further, upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to evaluate the state of conservation of historical architectural surfaces, along with their specific deterioration pathologies. This goes with a basic understanding of interventions needed to preserve surfaces while envisioning architectural choices based on awareness.  
(Step 3) Here, student will be asked to provide their “own ideas” for the repurposing of the “Viehmarkt Bank” at the historic Munich slaughterhouse, along with its architectural surfaces and surronding areas.

Abstract

The MA Project "The Beauty of Architectural Surfaces. An introduction to historical and technical aspects" is aiming at providing students with basic knowledge of the different manufacturing processes especially for the execution of architectural surfaces from Ancient times to Modern Eras.

The different styles in plastering will be taught and their importance with respect to political and iconographic aspects will be stressed. Degradation patterns and restoration techniques especially for architectural surfaces will be illustrated.

Deterioration patterns due to erosion, discolorations and deposit will be highlighted focusing on differences between colors, staining and patina stressing the idea of natural Patina as a value as well as the concept of patination in restoration.

Classes are designed in a dual form of frontal lectures and review meetings, spinning around the following applicative case study: the “ Romanesque Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Tuscania, Viterbo (Italy).

(Step 1) The different manufacturing techniques of architectural surfaces starting from natural stoneworks to outstanding wall paintings will be taught. Students will be asked to reproduce different types of surfaces in their ornamental compositions and aesthetic features by pencil drawing (design from models).

(Step 2) Further, upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to evaluate the state of conservation of historical architectural surfaces, along with their specific deterioration pathologies. This goes with a basic understanding of interventions needed to preserve surfaces while envisioning choices for solutions based on awareness. Particular, the reworking and manipulation of historical surfaces dated back to the 20th and 21st century will be illustrated concentrating on the following conservation and restoration works: post-WWII and post-1970s Earthquakes.

(Step 3) the topic of “Chiese Chiuse” – Churches with closed doors has been chosen as an overall topic to deal with. Then, the subject of heritage buildings charged with iconic, social or political meaning and in a state of neglect will be deeply debated. The example of the “the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Tuscania will be used as an outstanding illustrative case study.
A great deal of attention will be paid to the practical implications on architecture of the Counterreformation of the Catholic Church, during Renaissance, and its reflection on Baroque Architecture (Council of Trent, 1545-1563) as well as the effects of the more recent Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican (1962-65) on Religious Heritage.

Then, the issue of a misinterpretation of historic findings with respect to ritual redevelopment will also be illustrated by means of case studies, all the while understanding churches as a fragmented heritage in constant evolution.

Looking at churches as fragments of history in progress meaning to reconcile their historical recreations with new uses and the ritual needs of liturgical churches as well as their modern significance as objects of knowledge.
Then, a study of possible repurposing strategies so to open the church to a larger public will be conducted. The challenge of repurposing churches so to meet the contemporary needs of societies will be deeply debated and explored beyond its use as a turistic attraction and a museum piece.

The case of the UNESCO-World heritage site of Aeolian Islands (Italy) - The Acropolis of Lipari