In this module, students will acquire a basic understanding of the issues related with the conservation of modern architectural surfaces and decorations including 20th and 21th century wall paintings and exposed concrete surfaces. The module will provide an overview of the main construction materials and techniques used.
The properties of these materials and the most common forms of alteration and deterioration will be discussed and illustrated with case studies.
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of the materials and techniques of 20th and 21st century architectural decorations and their deterioration processes (causes and mechanisms).
- describe the requirements to carry out sustainable conservation, repair and maintenance work on exposed reinforced concrete and wall paintings;
- understand the main artificial and synthetic polymers used as binders in wall paintings;
- consider the evolution of wall painting techniques in modern and contemporary times, corresponding to the abandonment of traditional procedures and the use of ready-to-use industrial products;
- discuss issues related to Street Art conservation as new spontaneous forms of expression linked to urban life.