Italian Architecture: Layers of a City

Italy, with its many cities of ancient Roman foundation and UNESCO World Heritage sites, is a place where the need to balance the conservation of historic cities and the demands of modern urban life is crucial. The role of the architect is vital, as they possess the knowledge of historical and architectural elements necessary to work on a site or building. Every new design project or renovation in Italy requires contextual in-depth historical research. The course will chronologically examine the main architectural styles and significant buildings that have been preserved or adapted for new uses. Students will study these styles with a focus on the Florentine experience and against the backdrop of Italy’s architectural development. Historical, technical, and legal aspects of preservation will be discussed, and lectures as well as class discussions will be complemented by site visits.