SUPSI coordinates a National Research Project to support the maintenance of cultural heritage

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A team of researchers from the Department of Environment Constructions and Design SUPSI has secured major funding from the National Research Programme (NRP) 81, dedicated to Baukultur, to create a network of experts and promote regular care of our built heritage.

“CH needs CC – Cultural Heritage needs Continuous Care” is a newly approved national-scale research initiative aimed at promoting regular inspection and maintenance practices for the built heritage. Funded under the National Research Programme NRP 81 Baukultur, the project will be coordinated by a team from the Department of Environment Constructiona and Design SUPSI under the supervision of Professor Giacinta Jean, Full Professor of history and techniques of conservation and restoration.

Built heritage – from historic buildings to public art – is a key component of our collective identity and contributes significantly to the quality of the spaces we live in. All too often, maintenance is postponed until damage occurs. The “CH needs CC” project proposes a paradigm shift: maintenance as sustainable and long-term conservation.

Using a Living Lab approach that encourages dialogue and exchange among diverse stakeholders, the project will involve public authorities, professionals, property owners, associations, and citizens.

Activities will take place in Switzerland’s three linguistic regions and will focus on three representative themes: public art (case study: City of Lugano), religious buildings (case study: Hauterive Abbey in the Canton of Fribourg), historic houses (case study: Casa Zentner in Zurich).

Main objectives of the project:

  • develop national guidelines for the maintenance of the built heritage
  • strengthen civil society’s involvement in heritage care
  • create training courses for professionals, technicians, and volunteers
  • promote collaboration between cantonal, municipal, and federal authorities
  • improve the sustainability and resilience of heritage assets.

The initiative benefits from a broad partnership network, including SUPSI, cantonal heritage authorities, professional associations (such as SKR/SCR-Swiss Association for Conservation and Restoration), research institutes and universities (BFH Master in Denkmalpflege und Umnutzung – Berner Fachhochscule), cultural associations (Swiss Network for Cultural Heritage and Swiss Heritage), and the support of the Federal Commission for Historic Monuments.

“This research,” says Professor Giacinta Jean, the project’s scientific lead, “is a unique opportunity to establish a culture of maintenance in our country. Only through constant and shared care will it be possible to sustainably and durably ensure the transmission of heritage to future generations.”

The project will run until spring 2029. Results will be made public and shared through public events, publications, training courses, and digital platforms.

 

NRP 81 

The National Research Programme (NRP) 81 is dedicated to Baukultur and supports research projects aimed at developing strategies, best practices, and procedures to sustainably improve the quality of the built and natural environment for the benefit of society as a whole.

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