Analysis of the degradation of the Cultural Heritage
University of Calabria
Reference Teacher: Michela Ricca
Teacher(s): Michela Ricca, Mauro Francesco La Russa, Silvestro Antonio Ruffolo
– Classification of alteration and/or degradation forms of stone materials: regulations and glossary (i.e., NORMAL, UNI-NORMAL, ICOMOS, EWAGLOS);
– Use of rocks in cultural heritage and historical architecture;
– The deterioration of natural and artificial stone materials: Types, Causes, and Mechanisms, in aerial and underwater environments;
– Decay Analysis on different rocks used in Cultural Heritage: case studies;
– Overview of technologies and methods for the analysis of the degradation of the terrestrial and underwater cultural heritage;
– Methods of mapping and evaluation of decay (e.g. Fitzner method, etc.);
– Laboratory activity: Observation and characterization of weathered patinas by using microscopic techniques with the evaluation of the damage caused by the interaction between the degraded surface and the stone substrate; analysis of alteration patinas using FT-IR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) technique; Open-Class exercises using specific technologies and methods, and scientific literature.
Single-cycle master’s degree in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage
The student will acquire the knowledge of the main degradation and alteration phenomena present in different building stones located in different environments and with different architectural functionality. The student will also develop a good capability to recognize the degradation forms from different points of view and the investigation to be conducted to study the materials.
Using established methods and technologies, the students will acquire practical skills in mapping and evaluating decay on stone materials. They will gain hands-on experience in scientific analysis and interpretation of degradation processes and will be able to schematize and plan the activities necessary to carry out a scientific protocol to investigate degradation phenomena starting from the acquisition of data up to the choice of the most suitable methods.
The students will gain adequate basic knowledge of the main degradation processes, interpreted in both descriptive and analytical terms, and they will have the cultural and experimental bases of the main causes that characterize the degradation processes affecting stone materials. Furthermore, they will acquire descriptive methods and be able to apply them in real case studies with adequate knowledge of the procedures.
Students will improve their ability to communicate concepts related to the degradation of stone materials related to terrestrial and underwater environments. Through literature and dedicated technologies, they will practice dealing with different case studies and research results, to effectively understand the causes, mechanisms, and impacts of the deterioration of stone materials. Furthermore, they will be able to communicate in different contexts the results of the study carried out, the skills acquired, to work in teams, to operate autonomously, and to easily integrate into restoration sites.
Students will have acquired the ability to work in a team, operate independently the acquired methods and technologies, and integrate easily into the workplace. Additionally, students will improve their problem-solving skills by addressing challenges encountered in analyzing and documenting decay processes. Reflective practices will be emphasized, enabling students to continuously improve their skills and knowledge in the analysis and preservation of cultural heritage materials, adapting to new methodologies and technologies as they emerge.
Basic knowledge of the use of stone materials in historic buildings and in the field of cultural heritage.
Lectures, seminars, field excursions, laboratory.
The learning assessment will take place through a final oral exam with a vote expressed out of thirty. When evaluating the exam, the following will be taken into account: a) the properties of the scientific language; b) the level of detail of the notions acquired; c) expository clarity and ability to connect the thematic units and the case studies; d) mastery of the subject. The exam will be considered passed with a sufficient evaluation (18/30) on the three teaching units of the program. Sufficient evaluation means that the student will have acquired the minimum contents of the program, exposing them simply and correctly and with suitable language properties. An excellent rating (30/30 with honors) will be assigned to students who demonstrate a broad and in-depth knowledge of the program contents, with an excellent ability to summarize and connect thematic units and case studies.
The course examines various useful aspects for understanding how stone materials degrade over time and what are the causes that favour the decay processes. Some lessons highlight the relationships between the terrestrial and marine environments and how stone materials degrade depending on the different environments. The study of underwater cultural heritage (UCH) and its forms of degradation is an important topic of the course. During the course, students will acquire basic knowledge of this field of research about the methods and technologies to adopt.
The expected learning outcomes can contribute to the achievements of the following goals: Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; Goal 13: Climate Action; Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; Goal 14: Life below water; Goal 15: Life on land; Goal 4: Quality Education.
To attend the course “Analysis of the degradation of the cultural heritage” at the University of Calabria, you have two options:
Enroll in the Master’s Degree Program
The course is part of the Conservation and Restoration Master’s Degree Program (Single-Cycle, 5-year). To attend it, you must apply and be admitted to the relevant Master’s degree, then include the course in your study plan.
More information at the following link: https://www.unical.it/didattica/iscriversi-studiare-laurearsi/ammissione-1-anno/conservazione-restauro/?lang=en
Register for the Individual Course
If you already hold a university degree, you can apply to take this course as a single learning activity without enrolling in the full degree program. You will attend classes, take the exam, and earn credits (CFU), which may be recognized later if you enroll in the full program.
More information at the following link: https://www.unical.it/didattica/iscriversi-studiare-laurearsi/iscrizioni-anni-successivi/?lang=en
Foreign students, both EU and non-EU, can find detailed admission requirements and procedures in the “Guidebook for Foreign Students”: https://www.unical.it/didattica/iscriversi-studiare-laurearsi/ammissione-1-anno/guidebook_foreign_students_aa2425/?lang=en
For further information or specific inquiries, you may contact the “Educational Services Area” of the University of Calabria using the contact details and methods provided at the following link: https://www.unical.it/didattica/iscriversi-studiare-laurearsi/contatta-i-servizi-didattici/?lang=en
– National and International Regulations and Lexicon;
– Forms of alteration and/or degradation of stone materials in aerial and underwater environments causes and mechanisms of action that determine them;
– Most recurring forms of degradation on rocks used in Cultural Heritage. and case studies (oxalate patinas, salts crystallization, sulphation processes and black crusts, alveolization, pitting, etc.;
– Mapping Methods (e.g. Fitzner Method).
Case studies and models to interpret types and decay processes in stone building materials and cultural heritage.
– Observation and Characterization with microscopic techniques (e.g. digital microscope, stereomicroscope and optical microscope) of alteration patinas on stone materials (e.g. black crusts, fracturing processes, biological patinas, oxalate patinas, etc.).
– Analysis of alteration patinas using FT-IR methodology;
– Open-Class exercises.
- Conservation of Architectural Heritage, Historic Structures and Materials, handbook ICCROM.
- Trattato di scienza della conservazione dei monumenti, Giovanni C. Amoroso, Alinea Editrice.
- Dizionario del Restauro, Tecniche, Diagnostica, Conservazione. C. Giannini, Nardini Ed.
- PPTs, scientific articles, and insights provided by the teachers.