Case Studies Construction History and Building Preservation

Abstract

Acquiring in-depth knowledge of construction history and building archeology by means of detailed study of selected historic monuments. The course will start with a multi-part classroom introduction, followed by field studies in small groups.

Objective

The participants will gain in-depth knowledge on the methodology of building archeology by means of the documentation and interpretation of real historic structures in on-site studies.

Content

We study historic constructions in German-speaking Switzerland (individual small groups, objects within 2 hrs public transport reach from ETH Hoenggerberg). Each group will be assigned an individual tutor (PhD student) who will be present on-site, on individual appointment. We will survey, document and analyze a historic construction, with particular attention to production traces, constructive detail and laod-carrying system. We will start with introductory classroom lectures and on-site teaching during the first third of the semester. This will be followed by individual investigations on site. The progress will be pinpointed in three critiques: 1) on site, with individual tutor 2) at institute, with professor and institute members 3) final delivery, at institute, with professor and all institute members The detailed schedule of the case studies can be found here: http://www.holzer.arch.ethz.ch/en/education/case-studies.html Each enrolment obliges the student to visit all compulsory dates during the entire semester without interruption.

Resources