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An “Italian-Chinese” Combined Methodology for the Philological Investigation of an Ancient Building in Accordance with the Real Physical Condition, Structural Problems and Pathology of the Materials

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East Asian Architecture in Globalization (EAAC 2017)

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Abstract

Due to the complexity of the physical condition of ancient architecture, the author proposes a comprehensive method for its investigation, which combines the practices carried out in China and Italy in the field of data acquisition, in the perspective of a philological restoration. The Chinese practice is accurate and logical in the categorization and positioning of the construction elements. The restoration in Italy is very descriptive and evocative to clearly define all the pathologies of the architecture and the visualization of its problems.

The conformation of the building is acquired using 3D scanning tools to generate plans, facades, and sections which are all verified on-site. All nodes, key points, constructive elements and materials are categorized, numbered, defined and measured in their quantities. A description of all the structural problems or pathologies of the surfaces and materials is documented, defined and analyzed following a strict categorization process. Finally, they are visualized through the use of categories, patterns and diagrams. The author presents a combined method of investigation of the building Yúqìngtang , in Zhájì village, Ānhuī province. This paper will describe some difficulties and solutions which emerged during the elaboration of this methodology, including some problems that remain unsolved.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The topic of architectural restoration in Italy is extremely complex, and due to the constraints of this paper it cannot be properly illustrated, but the bibliography (mostly in Italian) is very abundant. For more information, it is recommended to consult the works of Carbonara (1997), Casiello (1996, 2008) and Conti (2002).

  2. 2.

    The most representative works concerning the history of restoration in this country are those of Chen (1955), Liang (1963) and Luo (1959).

  3. 3.

    Average precision of 1 mm.

  4. 4.

    The other members of the team are: Zhang Zhiqiang , Zhang Zhiyong , and Wang Shuo .

  5. 5.

    We used various cameras, especially a large-format digital camera (Pentax 645D).

  6. 6.

    In our case, this software is more flexible and effective when a specific element (the shingle, in our case) is a repetitive element of the roof but with certain variations.

  7. 7.

    In this paper we use two highly generic definitions for our strategy of intervention: the “Italian” and the “Chinese” methods. We are definitely conscious of the fact that this is a large generalization. There is no such thing as a compact and uniform “Italian” method nor any “Chinese” method of restoration. However there are such things as certain established bodies of expertise, specific competences and practices. While this may risk sparking a debate towards which we are quite indifferent, what we wish to emphasize is that these names are employed for the heuristic sake of simplifying a general approach which is more common in both Italy and China.

  8. 8.

    Genovese (2017).

  9. 9.

    The East facade proved impossible to generate, because other houses and a series of buildings were attached.

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Acknowledgements

We wish to thank Profs. Bai Chengjun , Zhang Zhiqiang , Zhang Zhiyong , and Wang Shuo for their expertise and work in generating the 3D model. Likewise, we wish to thank Mr. Zha Shunlei and his family who opened their house, Yúqìngtáng, to our survey. A special thanks goes to Prof. Peter Hasdell, who took part in our workshop, and gave us precious advice and encouragement for our work. A fine job was carried out by Phuong Sopheadary and Chea Chetha during the initial drawing of the diagrams. The members of my team conducting the surveying of the building were: Mr. Kezala Gere, my main assistant, Jiang Jiayao , Zhao Xinyi , Ouyang Jia , Lyu Zhichen , Zhang Youdan , Du Da and Yang Yiting . We extend a special thanks to Mr. Li Zhixing for his excellent work in arranging this workshop.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China

    Paolo Vincenzo Genovese

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  1. Paolo Vincenzo Genovese
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China

    Subin Xu

  2. School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China

    Nobuo Aoki

  3. School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China

    Bébio Vieira Amaro

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Genovese, P.V. (2021). An “Italian-Chinese” Combined Methodology for the Philological Investigation of an Ancient Building in Accordance with the Real Physical Condition, Structural Problems and Pathology of the Materials. In: Xu, S., Aoki, N., Vieira Amaro, B. (eds) East Asian Architecture in Globalization. EAAC 2017. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-75937-7_14

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