Restoration of heritage buildings: the cornerstones of architectural restoration

The restoration of heritage building is a renovation process that starts from afar. First of all, it is necessary to know the materials that make up the structure. Chemistry, physics, geology and digital surveying with computer equipment are the starting point for understanding the real conditions of the building on which to intervene, also in relation to the characteristics and properties of the materials that make up the cultural asset, in order to acquire advanced knowledge of archaeometric applications in the various fields of interest.

Secondly, it is necessary to acquire specific elements of historical and artistic culture in order to respect and maintain as close as possible to the original the appearance and essence of the building. Respecting the building’s symbolic and semantic rigour is of primary importance in classical architecture.

Thirdly, it is necessary to acquire the elements of legal and socio-economic culture in the field of cultural heritage of the country in which the restoration and renovation process is carried out. Very often, in fact, there are legislative loopholes that only allow action to be taken on the interior spaces, without any possibility of being able to work on the façade, which must necessarily remain the same as the original. In this aspect, the use of ecological and sustainable products is a priority, allowing not only the return of buildings to their former splendour, but also the reduction of CO2 emissions into the environment and the improvement of indoor air quality.