ARCH 391 – Architecture in Italy: History and Preservation

Since the Middle Ages, European cities of ancient Roman foundation developed by means of a constant transformation and re-use of existing architecture and urban fabric. In Italy, this cyclical adaptation of pre-existing structures always flanked the erection of new, innovative architecture. Since the 1980s, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) started to include many Italian cities in its list of World Heritage sites (Rome, 1980; Florence, 1982; Venice, 1987; Naples and Siena, 1995.) The need to balance the conservation of the historic city and the life of a modern metropolis, as well as the occurrence of both natural and man-made disasters, force us to think about issues of preservation. Against the backdrop of the development of architecture in Italy, the course examines historically significant buildings, which have been preserved or adapted for subsequent uses. Historical, technical, and legal aspects of preservation will be considered. Lectures and class discussions will be followed by site visits.

Below are the course’s learning outcomes, followed by the methods that will be used to assess students’ achievement for each learning outcome. By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• describe what they see in urban fabrics, buildings’ layout, façade designs, with greater precision and accurate terms (Mid-Term Exam, Presentation, Class Discussion;)
• identify the building materials and techniques employed, and explain the impact of these aspects on cityscapes and architects’ creativity (Intermediate Tests, Final Exam, Term Paper;)
• identify the state of conservation and the authenticity of buildings and urban contexts (Intermediate Tests, Final Exam, Term Paper;)
• explain the function and message of architecture (Final Exam, Term Paper, Class Discussion;)
• explore what these can tell them about the society that created them (Class Discussion, Final Exam, Term Paper).
• distinguish between documented facts and interpretative perception of building design (Reading Review, Reading Presentation, Term Paper.)