Approaching Viollet-le-Duc

Authors

  • Enzo Bentivoglio Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14633/AHR040

Abstract

Is it possible to conciliate History and Modernity? Is the concept of “protected space” compatible with “creation”? Can History of architecture teach something which could inspire us for the future without making us become conservatives? Starting with these questions, the essay proposes some thoughts on the necessity of History for architecture and, more in general, for life. In this sense, the relationship of Viollet-le-Duc with History is considered exemplary. Apart from the results of his thinking on restoration, which today is not accepted, the French architect based his experience on the study of the past, trying to demonstrate that one can build the future only from the experience of the past: «C’est ignorer l’histoire qui rend conservateur». Restoration of Gothic architecture is a way to preserve it for the future, but also the study of medieval art, culture and society is useful to build a future. Viollet-le-Duc found some elements of modernity in medieval architecture and showed that, through the interpretation of the past, we can understand the present and project the future.

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Published

2017-03-22

How to Cite

Bentivoglio, E. (2017). Approaching Viollet-le-Duc. ArcHistoR Architecture History Restoration - Architettura Storia Restauro, 1, 46–55. https://doi.org/10.14633/AHR040

Issue

ArcHistoR: (Extra n. 1) Viollet-le-Duc and Nineteenth-Century. Contributions on the fringe of a celebration (1814-2014)

Section

Part I - Viollet-le-Duc. Research and design

License

Copyright (c) 2017 Enzo Bentivoglio

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