World Heritage Site: Historic Centre of Siena
Publication Year: 2026
Publication Type: Article
Publication Identifier: WHEAED92CF5F3
Summary
Cesare Brandi's theoretical framework for the restoration of historic centers, particularly his stance on the ethical and moral imperative to preserve urban heritage, stands out as a pivotal contribution. His work, rooted in aesthetic, historical, and ethical principles, rejects contemporary insertions into ancient contexts, advocating instead for the safeguarding of these spaces as a civic duty. This perspective is illustrated through Brandi's interventions in Siena, his hometown, where he critiqued redevelopment projects that threatened its historic integrity. By comparing his views with contemporaries like Argan and Quaroni, the study underscores Brandi's unique ethical approach to conservation, emphasizing the protection of urban landscapes as irreplaceable bearers of civilization. This framework offers enduring critical tools for balancing conservation and transformation in historic cities.
Citation
Docci, M. (2026). “New insertions on the old”: Brandi and the protection of historic centers as a moral instance. Anais Do Museu Paulista: História E Cultura Material, 34, 1–28. https://doi.org/10.11606/1982-02672026v34e5
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