History, Heritage, Post-Disaster Preserv

Post-disaster heritage preservation is becoming an increasingly urgent matters as a result of both wars and environmental catastrophes. This seminar introduces themes, issues, theories, methodologies and technologies of historical preservation and restoration of heritage architecture, monuments and historical landscapes in post-disaster situations. Centered on the historical landscapes and built environment of the region affected by the February 2023 earthquake in Türkiye and Syria, the seminar will explore the range of responses and approaches. Weekly meetings will discuss practical aspects of post-disaster response such as damage assessment surveys, uses of building materials, long-term maintenance and monitoring. They will also learn about the histories of the region, and analyze theoretical discussions around monuments, memory, development and urban environments, and the politics of heritage. Students will produce a final report about a region, site or city, assigned by the instructors. Open to Admission into the seminar is by application and permission of the instructors only. Applications for the seminar must be submitted to the Department of Art History by Monday, August 7th, 2023.