Decorative art on an architectural surface : an intervention methodology

Abstract

The aim of this study was to address the issue of interventions on Decorative Art forms on historic buildings. Over time, even the strongest material alters and tends to lose its initial form. Environmental, historical and human factors are responsible for the deterioration of a surface, either internal or external. It is possible for a surface to consist of different kinds of materials and forms. As a result, it may be necessary for different actions to be taken accordingly. This dissertation is a discussion of such interventions on Decorative Art forms on an architectural surface, focusing on carved stone elements. The study seeks to answer questions such as: Should these decorative forms be treated differently from the rest of the architectural surface? Can they be considered a form of art? This philosophical discussion raises ethical issues on art and architectural interventions. Local and mternat1onal policies as well as a historical background on the philosophy of the issue and the literature have been consulted and discussed for these specific Decorative Art forms. Through this review it is proven that these forms can be differentiated from the rest of the building, which is mostly functional, therefore, the issue of a different, more sensitive approach is needed. The historical period and the current ownership or the building, the type and the material of the decorative detail, its location and meaning are factors which play an important role in the final decisions when intervening on it. The intervention approaches can be different: A mimetic approach of the original design can be carried out by replacing or plastering the decorative element; a partial reconstruction of the details 1s another option; lastly, leaving the design unfinished Is proved to be the most suitable scenario for particular cases. A set of examples with different deterioration problems from the local scenario is studied, in order to discuss different approaches depending on the circumstances and factors that have been analysed. They are not complete studies of interventions, but are expected to encourage further discussion on the connection between the intrinsic characteristics of the decorative detail (location, material, meaning, function, and design) and the interventions.