Conservation and Restoration of Wall Paintings and Architectural Surfaces
Venue | K1
Focus D
The breadth of the subject of study Conservation and Restoration of wall paintings and architectural surfaces is determined by the interrelationship and complexity of the materials concerned along with all the ensuing technical and aesthetic aspects. The specialisation focuses on traditional porous building materials such as plaster, stone and ceramic materials and, if need be, on modern materials such as concrete. Wall and ceiling paintings or rather decorative systems such as painted stencilling, carved plasterwork, and sgraffito will be covered as well as plaster systems, stucco marble, stucco lustro and façade decoration. In many cases, close cooperation with other disciplines on a theoretical and practical level is necessary. The main area of activity for this specialisation is in public spaces or, more specifically, the preservation of historic monuments and buildings.
The primary concern of the course is to impart a methodical approach. Commencing with research on the respective artistic and manual techniques, both the state of preservation and the extent of damage are then recorded and interpreted by means of digital survey mapping plans, photographic documentation and a catalogue of damage. Only by mastering these fundamentals is the student able to develop conservation and restoration concepts which can then be physically realised, usually in the form of a pilot project.
The issues of preventive conservation, constant care, maintenance and climate control are given particular importance.