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Seminar Texts on Preservation
Seminar Texte zur Denkmalpflege
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:01:57
Abstract
In the seminar, selected texts on architectural theory and monument preservation are read together and discussed in plenary. The focus is on selected writings from John Ruskin, Gottfried Semper and Friedrich Nietzsche to Alois Riegl and Adolf Loos to Walter Benjamin, Aleida Assmann and Peter Zumthor.
Objective
Skills in reading complex theoretical and literary writings on architecture and monument preservation are taught. With increasing practice, these enable participants to undertake an independent appropriation of architectural theory and monument preservation content.
Content
The writings on architectural theory and historic preservation discussed in the seminar provide an overview of the most important theories and concepts of historic preservation. Ruskin’s narrative of architectural historicity, Semper’s conception of “Bekleidung” and Nietzsche’s transformation of mythology are covered, as are Riegl’s notions of “Erinnerungswert” and “Gegenwartswert”, Loos’ writings on architecture, Benjanmin’s notion of aura and Aleida Assmann’s memory space as well as Peter Zumthor's atmosphere. Each text is discussed in terms of textual structure, conceptual history, visual language, relationship to poetry and literature, strategies of theory, etc. Identifying the levels and intersections that link a theory with other theories characterises one of the main tasks of our seminar.
Resources
Literature
Georg Dehio, Kunsthistorische Aufsätze, Munich 1914. Uta Hassler/Winfried Nerdinger, Das Prinzip der Rekonstruktion, Zurich 2010. Norbert Huse (ed.), Denkmalpflege: Deutsche Texte aus drei Jahrhunderten, Munich 1984. Fritz Neumeyer, Quellentexte zur Architekturtheorie. Nachdenken über Architektur, Munich 2002. Ákos Moravánszky, Architekturtheorie im 20. Jahrhundert. Eine kritische Anthologie, Vienna 2003. John Ruskin, The Stones of Venice, 3 vol., London 1851.
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- Information
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- NDS , WBZ
- Frequency
- Every two years
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Registration & Places
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Seminar Texte zur Denkmalpflege |
|
32 h semesterly |
Offered In
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CAS in Preservation (Only takes place every second autumn semester (even numbered years).)
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MAS in Preservation and Construction History (Start: Every two years in the autumn semester with an even numbered year Duration: 4 semesters part time)
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