Theme D

Interventions on the modern architectural heritage

The criteria for intervention on the buildings representing the modern architectural heritage, are always established on the basis of regulations that are questionable, if not completely absent, thus leaving large space for private initiative and the free interpretation.

Nobody expected also a need to use reinforced concrete buildings built in Europe immediately after World War II, for a period exceeding ten or twenty years; the largest post-war reconstruction of the fifties had been undertaken in the belief that "soon we could have do it all better and with more modern technologies”.

These buildings, now therefore require "cares” on structures, on building installations and aesthetic improvements that must be carefully regulated in relation to economic and technological resources of each country.

A comparison on an international scale regarding updating of their residual performances (safety, aesthetic, technological, etc ...) may suggest policy interventions aimed at upgrading buildings themselves, without losing sight of local economies.

The various efforts that are posed in different countries (the poorest and the most advanced) to prolong the duration of "life" of these buildings, may understand the vastness of suggestions and solutions that may result from a reasoned comparison on an international scale.

1. Education and theory to safeguard important modern buildings, ensembles and sites

1.1. Strategic Management for the restoration of modern architectural heritage on a regional scale.

1.2. Training for maintenance and recovery of the modern architectural heritage.

1.3. Initiatives within of the Council of Europe and UNESCO for the conservation of twentieth century architecture.

1.4. The building heritage between Two world Wars period: Vulnerability and Conservation. The knowledge and use of new materials and techniques (cellular mineral and vegetable, fiber reinforced materials, agglomerated cork, linoleum, glass-cement block, metal-cement and aluminum). The stylistic identity: shared value systems that had the goal of a widespread quality.

2. The building heritage between World War II and the nineties in Europe

2.1. Redesign of constructions and urban spaces.

2.2. History and development. Diagnose and remedy.

3. Stone Facing Techniques in 20th Century

3.1. Restoration of cladding technologies: from slab to precast. Stone-faced precast panel technologies: monitoring and intervention techniques for stabilization.

4. Developing countries

4.1. The single house: the house and its transformation, preservation of local technology; color technology and conservation.

4.2. The great works: "other modernism" to be conserved: government buildings; buildings for education; machinery and manufactures, sports equipment.

4.3. Conservation and sustainability: conflictual aspects, innovative tecnologies, intervention policies; real possibilities for adaptation to settlement strategies and plans for economic conversion.

5. Case studies inherent to sub-topics exposed above