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079-0151-00L 2 Credits NDS , WBZ D-ARCH
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Theory and History of Preservation

Theorie und Geschichte der Denkmalpflege

Lecturers & Examiners: PD Dr. Robin Rehm
Does not take place this semester.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:48

Abstract

The course provides an overview of theory formation in heritage conservation. The focus is on European history and German-language texts.

Objective

The aim of the course is to familiarise students with the essential subject areas, the most important protagonists and lines of argumentation from antiquity to the 21st century, and to contrast the different approaches to thought and their development

Content

In order to get to know the formation of theory, its paths and detours, the most important terms and persons in the history of monument conservation are introduced. Based on various texts, the history of the protection of architectural monuments since antiquity is illuminated. Further focal points in the history of monument preservation were during the Enlightenment, the French Revolution and in the process of the formation of nation states. The discourse on the concept and practice of monument conservation as we understand it today was led by a number of conservators in the German-speaking world around 1900. War-related destruction and the incipient building boom in Europe led to modern debates on the theory of monuments, which are still relevant today. Dealing with monument values is not an end in itself; it can be essential for the preservation of the monument or for historical mediation. Critical positions on the tasks, goals or practices of heritage preservation can only be developed against the background of a knowledge of its historical approaches.

Resources

Literature

Achim Hubel, Denkmalpflege. Geschichte, Themen, Aufgaben, Ditzingen 2006. Leo Schmidt, Einführung in die Denkmalpflege, Darmstadt 2008. Albert Knoepfli, Schweizerische Denkmalpflege. Geschichte und Doktrinen, Zurich 1972. Wim Denslagen, Architectural restoration Western Europe: controversy and continuity, Amsterdam 1994. Jukka Jokilehto, A History of Architectural Conservation, Oxford u. a. 1999. Norbert Huse (ed.), Denkmalpflege: Deutsche Texte aus drei Jahrhunderten, Munich 1984. Françoise Choay, Das architektonische Erbe, eine Allegorie. Geschichte und Theorie der Baudenkmale, Braunschweig/Wiesbaden 1997 (Bauwelt Fundamente, vol. 109). Wolfgang Götz, Beiträge zur Vorgeschichte der Denkmalpflege. Die Entwicklung der Denkmalpflege in Deutschland vor 1800 (Diss. Leipzig 1956), Zurich 1999 (Veröffentlichungen des Instituts für Denkmalpflege an der ETH Zürich, vol. 20). Gottfried Kiesow, Einführung in die Denkmalpflege, Darmstadt 1982. Denkmalschutz. Texte zum Denkmalschutz und zur Denkmalpflege, Bonn 1996 (Schriftenreihe des Deutschen Nationalkomitees für Denkmalschutz, vol. 52). Georg Mörsch, Denkmalpflege als aufgeklärter Widerstand. Das Denkmal als Frage und Aufgabe, Basel 1989. Wilfried Lipp (Hg.), Denkmal – Werte – Gesellschaft. Zur Pluralität des Denkmalbegriffs, Frankfurt am Main 1993. Michael Petzet/Gerd Mader, Praktische Denkmalpflege, Stuttgart/Berlin/Cologne 1993.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
German
Levels
NDS , WBZ
Frequency
Every two years

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance

Registration & Places

Priority: Registration for the course unit is only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Theorie und Geschichte der Denkmalpflege
Does not take place this semester. Keine Lehrveranstaltung am 24.10.2025 (Seminarwoche) sowie in den letzten beiden Semesterwochen (Schlussabgaben).
No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In