Éloge de la permanence [EN]

CONTENT

The term heritage is part of everyday language. However, the concept is polysemous and varies from one culture to another. For some, the notion of heritage emphasises the responsibility to maintain a harmonious balance between human activities and the permanence of the world. Taking this ecological approach as a starting point, is it possible to conceive of architectural heritage not as something to be conserved, but rather as an activity aimed at making the world more sustainable?  By developing a broader notion of heritage, which includes not only architecture considered for its age or its exhibition value, but also ordinary buildings, it will be possible to show consideration and care for what already exists. Thinking of heritage as an ethic and a practice of already existing that restores, rehabilitates and repairs instead of tabula rasa. 

TEACHING AIMS

The aim of this seminar is to approach, study and discuss the notion of heritage in a broad way.  Debating this subject serves to examine in depth the various aspects of the heritage question and their impact on the architectural project today. Analysing the ecological, technical, theoretical and even aesthetic implications of this issue is essential to understanding heritage beyond its most obvious aspects; inviting students to reflect on the impact that building, constructing or reconstructing implies in terms of transforming the environment.   

In short, to overcome the difficulty that even today we have to face when it comes to linking heritage and sustainable development. All too often, this prevents us from taking an overall view of these issues. 

TEACHING FORM

Lectures, seminars, individual and group work, discussions and debates. Students will be required to complete a preparatory assignment (IR 26 March 2023) and a final summary assignment (RF 12 April 2024) at the end of the seminar.