An integrated approach to architectural heritage conservation through preservation and accessibility

Abstract

Historical architecture preservation in an historic centre, shouldn’t leave out of consideration the analysis of the architecture itself , an analysis that acknowledges the original structure , the endless changes and the altering brought about by various needs of use as well as by natural phenomena and atmospheric events (earthquakes , pollution, anthropical damages). Historical buildings have also been damaged by the lack of understanding of these phenomena : further damages were caused by inadeguate laws (L.457/58) whose text is too old fashioned if we take into consideration the already settled notions on conservation . These notions are meant to provide : 1 - the ability to read these historical transformations underlining their characteristics and their testimonial, figurative values as well as the knowledge of the matter itself (traditional masonry). 2 the ability to see the decay, that is the alteration in the materials and the ability to identify all the important interventions , ensuring their compatibility. 3 the ability , in synergy with the structural engineer, to identify every disruption, that is every change in the building structure and the ability to identify all the decisive interventions , ensuring their compatibility. But safety measures in an historic centre can’t guarantee its liveability and certainly don’t hinder the exodus of its population towards bigger cities. Technical interventions must be chosen taking into consideration the use of every building in relation to the use of its site and they should exalt its identity and its competitiveness : - they should give roots to the existing population and foster its feeling of permanence (demolishing architectural barriers, mobility), - they should attract new citizens , possibly of different age brackets, favoring the development of new activities (cultural tourism , agricultural micro-enterprises ,traditional craft business) . We suggest to develop an integrated approach that tackles such a complex subject using an interdisciplinary method.