Study and Conservation of the St. Nicola's Basilica Mosaics (Bari,Italy) by Photogrammetric Survey: Mapping of Polychrome Marbles,Decorative Patterns and Past Restorations

ABSTRACT

This present work focuses on the mapping of marbles, decorative patterns and area of the mosaics of the St. Nicola’s Basilica in Bari (Italy) by their photogrammetric survey. The extraordinary importance of these mosaics is due to the stylistic uniqueness and the undisputed workmanship and to the employed materials for tesserae. These mosaics include the white and polychrome marbles, used in the Roman age and reused in medieval artistic production, and imitation stones used as substitutes during the past restorations. The digital survey was realised by the photogrammetric reconstruction of mosaics collecting a photo dataset, after the mosaics redrawing by an image processing software and finally implemented it with lithological identification marbles. It allowed to obtain a punctual mapping of materials, through which to identify original areas and restoration areas, decorative patterns, recurring geometries. The research carried out, supported by the photogrammetric reconstruction as established method for high resolution digital reproduction and mapping, not only ensures the conservation and improvement of the enjoyment of the mosaic floors of the St. Nicola’s Basilica, but allows to conduct studies on materials, decorative patterns and restoration areas directly on the digitized product.     

Italian technical literature in the field of architectural restoration: The case study of the Historic Memories about the Vatican Church by Giovanni Poleni

This paper provides a theoretical, methodological, and practical contribution to the debate about strategies for the divulgation of the Italian technical literature of the eighteenth century in English-speaking countries with attention to the Italian universities and cultural institutions of the time. The paper contains a survey of the historical bibliography of contemporary translations of non-technical treatises of architecture in the English language and it proceeds to draw up a set of guidelines (decalogue) of different recently proposed methodologies and strategies. It describes the selection of the treatise to translate, relevant to the context and authoritative knowledge in the European scientific background of the eighteenth century; it continues by proposing a synopsis of the original text in the Italian modern language, a strategy used in order to make historical technical treatises accessible to the contemporary scientific Italian language. Approaches and strategies are experimented with in the case study of Historic Memories about the Great Dome of the Vatican Church (Le Memorie Istoriche della Gran Cupola Vaticana) by Giovanni Poleni, one of the most authoritative scholars of eighteenth-century Europe.     

Technical replicas of Portuguese ceramic tile bodies produced in the Oporto region in the late nineteenth to early twentieth centuries

Portugal is well known for its facades decorated entirely with ornamented glazed ceramic wall tiles called azulejos. On ageing, the tiles may detach and fall off, or deteriorate to such an extent that it becomes necessary to replicate them. Hence tile replication is a common practice in Portugal for façade restoration, but very often these new tiles do not have the same physical and/or chemical properties as the original ones. Such differences might be a factor in differential deterioration of the façades after restoration. One step toward an improvement in compatibility is to make new ceramic bodies with the same characteristics as the original ones. This study focuses on two types of glazed ceramic wall tiles from the Oporto region in Portugal: ‘calcic faience’ and pó de pedra. A total of 25 samples from the late nineteenth to early twentieth centuries were studied systematically as an attempt to improve knowledge of these materials and to create a basis for their replication. All samples were collected from facades that were under conservation/restoration at the time when sampling was performed. The original traditional ceramic bodies were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence. Total open porosity, capillary absorption coefficient, and mercury intrusion porosimetry were also measured in order to gain knowledge on their physical characteristics in addition to their chemical and mineralogical compositions. High-temperature crystalline phases such as diopside, gehlenite, and mullite were found in the calcic faience, suggesting that the firing temperature of calcic faience bodies was within the range of 1100–1150?°C. Calcination trials were also performed in order to determine the most probable firing temperatures of the ceramic bodies. Collected data led to the assumption that the raw materials used for the ceramic bodies were kaolinitic clay, quartz sand, limestone, and talc. The raw materials for pó de pedra tiles were found to include kaolinite clay and quartz with firing temperatures estimated within the temperature range of 1150–1360?°C. Technical replicas made on the basis of these investigations were found to have the same mineralogical and capillary properties as the original tiles.     

Traitement de Conservation des Peintures sur Panneau

Abstract

Samples from the external facade, internal pillars, wall and floor mosaics of the Cathedral of Salerno and mosaic samples from the Cathedral Museum were examined by X-ray diffraction, thermo-differential analysis and by thermo-gravimetric analysis. They were shown to be lime mortars containing varying amounts of an inert fraction such as dolomite, quartz, microcline, sanidine, diopside, analcime and augite. The predominant binder was calcite deriving from Ca(OH)₂ The existence of relicts of Ca(OH)₂ and Mg(OH)₂ of low crystallinity in some samples is discussed.     

当前图书馆建筑的几个问题

进入21世纪,我国图书馆又将进入一个新的建设高潮。关注人是现代图书馆建筑的基本宗旨;建设多元性的、园林式的、复合型的图书馆应是现代图书馆建筑的模式;在建中心馆的同时还要注意社区图书馆的建设;在重视土建的同时要重视其他方面的建设;建筑招标上实行国内和国际相结合的做法;在注重图书馆外型的同时更要注重满足功能的需要。参考文献4。     

Designing a library: everyone on the same page?

Excerpts are presented from an interview by the Bulletin of the Medical Library Association buildings projects editor with four academic health sciences library directors: one who had recently completed a major library building project and three who were involved in various stages of new building projects. They share their experiences planning for and implementing library-building programs. The interview explores driving forces leading to new library buildings, identifies who should be involved, recalls the most difficult and exciting moments of the building projects, relates what they wished they had known before starting the project, assesses the impact of new library facilities on clients and services, reviews what they would change, and describes forces impacting libraries today and attributes of the twenty-first century library.     

Ban Chiang bronzes: manufacturing techniques and restoration

Abstract

Original protective renderings have been the focus of numerous studies in recent years. Relevant literature, archival research and archaeological findings reveal that a number of mortar mixes or liquid substances were brushed on to protect and colour-unify the exterior ashlar-stone of many historic buildings. These coatings were of two types: common mortars, particularly improved with organic additives, and water-resistant filmforming substances. Economic cost, local supply, traditional practices and technological development are vital to an understanding of regional preferences for one mortar mix or material over another. The Cathedral of Leon is a mediaeval gothic temple from the thirteenth century, profusely remodelled throughout its history. In the sixteenth century, a new design of the courtyard partially enclosed a fifteenth-century exterior wall. Samples from the enclosed and exposed parts of this wall were examined. Analytical research suggests that the stone surface of this element received a treatment based on gypsum with organic additives. These organic products were fatty materials of the lipid type (tallow or lard) which reacted to form an insoluble, hydrophobic soap, at the same time providing the stone with its yellowish colour. The exceptional amount oflime registered in samples from the enclosed section has been considered a component of this surface treatment.     

大学图书馆建筑的六十年变迁

新中国大学图书馆建筑60年来经历了起步、停滞、发展等阶段,在新世纪走上跨越与创新之路,回顾其变迁,可以知发展、取教训、展未来,有许多经验值得总结。建议重视绿色建筑研究,修订规范,各省市自治区都来回顾大学图书馆建筑60年的变迁。     

The Future of the Library As a Place of Learning: A Personal Perspective

As the twenty-first century unfolds and we move to a new economy based not on knowledge but on ideas will the Library as a place disappear? In a connected world where users have extensive access to vast amounts of information why would they go to libraries and, more importantly, are there reasons for us to construct new library buildings in the twenty-first century? While the power of technology makes libraries more able to deliver improved services, digitization and remote access may conspire to make them irrelevant as places. However the real impact of technology is how it affects the practice of teaching and learning. The importance of creating a national learning infrastructure that benefits as many people as possible is more important than ever before for global competitiveness. Libraries focused on their contribution to learning will not merely be important places as the learning society develops but will be essential to its success. To be part of that picture, Libraries need to consider how they can support the ideas economy and provide facilities that become essential to the lives of twenty-first century learners.     

世纪之交读者阅读习惯的变化

文本作为人类阅读行为的客体,它的每一次变化对人类阅读都是一次冲击。本文分析了世纪之交社会和技术进步带来的文本变化,以及由此引起的读者阅读习惯的变化。     

The treatment of ancient Portuguese tiles

Abstract

The preservation of the vast cultural heritage of tiles in Portugal requires the development of a systematic scientific and technological approach. In this communication the case of the treatment of a panel of ancient tIles is described. The main problem was the cleaning and consolidation of the piece, followed by restoration for exhibition. The treatment was preceded by a study of the materials, consisting of analyses of the ceramic body and the glazed surface. The removal of aged waxes and resins was achieved using appropriate solvents and the consolidation of the ceramic body was carried out by an inorganic treatment. For the reconstruction of missing parts and the mounting of the panel materials were chosen which would avoid interaction with the original material.     

新世纪图书馆建筑设计理念

新世纪图书馆建筑设计理念包括 :建筑形式的标志性 ,建筑布局开放 ,建筑环境舒适 ,建筑功能多样 ,建筑设计要有前瞻性。参考文献 3。     

浅析电梯导轨对轿厢振动的影响

随着我田房地产的快速发展,城市建设的脚步不断加快,高层建筑的不断增多,电梯作为高屡建筑中垂直运行的交通工具已与人们的日常生活密不可分。无论是去商场、超市、酒店、办公接还是公寓楼都要用到电梯,电梯已经成为人们用的最多的变通工具。正因为如此,电梯导轨对轿厢振动的影响已经成为人们曩关心的话题,文章就此问题进行了研究和分析。     

图书馆建筑与人文关怀

21世纪的图书馆建筑应体现时代特征,在注重现代化设计的同时应把人文关怀渗透在图书馆建筑的各个方面.文章从图书馆建筑的外部模式、内部装饰等方面论述了图书馆建筑应体现人文关怀思想,让建筑与人之间产生一种亲和力.     

SOME ASPECTS OF THE CONSERVATION OF WORKS OF ART IN BUILDINGS OF NEW CONCRETE

Abstract

This paper deals with the materials used in conservation treatments in the first half of the twentieth century for the preservation and consolidation of wooden art objects from the Saxony region in Germany. The use of such materials must be seen as early attempts to find a conservation treatment for wood. The documentation of conservation treatments provides a reference to the application of oils and oil–resin mixtures. The results from the chemical analysis of samples of historic preservatives from the beginning to the middle of the twentieth century (so-called 'Puckelin') carried out by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirm the use of tung oil as a drying oil, whereas the use of linseed oil cannot be excluded. Colophony and, probably, amber varnish were used as resinous constituents. There are indications that a conservation material dating from the second half of the twentieth century most likely contained rapeseed oil.     

Store It,But Don't Ignore It

Continually growing collections have mandated the use of storage arrangements in most libraries. Compact storage, storage buildings, weeding and conversion to microformat are all discussed. Reference is made to related topics in the recent literature. It is shown how application of various cost analyses and economic theory methods make available more meaningful and rational decision-making data.     

凝固的乐章 无声的丰碑——记陕西省图书馆百年馆舍变迁史

图书馆建筑是典型的文化建筑,随着时代的变迁和技术的进步,一幢幢或是陈旧或是华丽的馆舍建筑,尤如图书馆事业发展历程上的一座座丰碑,无声地告诉人们这一历程的曲折和艰辛。一百年来,伴随着陕西省第一座公共图书馆的诞生,从古典到现代,馆舍建筑的不断变迁,既是陕西省图书馆事业百年的真实写照,更承载了几代图书馆人的梦想。堪称无声的丰碑。     

面向21世纪的中国信息管理类专业教育

面向２１世纪的社会发展,信息管理类专业教育体系处于不断变革之中,由此决定了基本的教育组织模式。基于这一认识,本文研究了我国信息管理与信息系统专业教育的特征与结构,分析了面向新世纪的专业改革;作者在讨论专业课程设置和教育方法改革的同时,提出了我国的对策。     

Humidity Control in Historic Buildings in Denmark

ABSTRACT

Historic buildings in Denmark have a high relative humidity (RH) all year, so the interiors are exposed to biological degradation. The acceptable range for RH is 60–70%, which is higher than the usual recommendations for museums and galleries. There are two options for humidity control: conservation heating or mechanical dehumidification. Calculation of the energy performance of a generic building was used to determine which method is the most efficient. Studies of a cottage in Liselund Park, and of two medieval churches in Hellerup and Vemb have confirmed these predictions: dehumidification is less energy consuming than conservation heating in buildings with poor thermal insulation and a moderate air infiltration rate (AER?<?0.6?h^?1). Dehumidification is suitable for historic buildings, where heating is not needed for human comfort. A condensing dehumidifier uses less than half the energy per kg water compared to an absorption dehumidifier. But it does not work at temperatures below 2°C. The combination of a condensing dehumidifier and a little heating to prevent frost is the most energy efficient solution for humidity control. These results are only valid in mild and humid climatic conditions similar to Denmark.     

A multi-analytical approach to the examination of nineteenth-century European wallpapers in Vasiq-Ansari House in Isfahan,Iran

In the nineteenth century, imported wallpapers covered interior walls of Persian palaces and mansions, of which Vasiq-Ansari House in Isfahan, Iran, exhibits very highly elaborated examples. In this study, micro-Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and light microscopy were used to identify pigments and other materials used in the wallpapers of Vasiq-Ansari House. Results indicated that chrome yellow, artificial ultramarine blue, brass metallic leaf, an organic red dyestuff (probably cochineal), and a copper-based green were used as colourants in the wallpapers. Different shades of brown were achieved by mixing various combinations of red lead, carbon black, and calcium carbonate. The white calcium carbonate was also used as a ground layer, applied to a paper support composed of bast and softwood fibres. Based on knowledge of the materials used, these wallpapers are most probably manufactured from the mid- to late-nineteenth century.