A Multidisciplinary Approach to Understanding Historic Architectural Façades

The current article is part of a broader theoretical approach to studying the architectural façade, and it aims to reveal, in a technical manner, good practices for understanding the historical architectural façade.

Working on a solid basis in the restoration field requires a thorough knowledge of the historical monument. The theoretical foundation for the architecture project is laid by research, which is often multidisciplinary, involving painters, restorers, historians, and architects.

Plaster is a classical render used on architectural façades and can take virtually any form, color, or texture to achieve the desired effect on the building. The general composition of a plaster renders consists of the base layer (plaster body) of hard consistency, adherent to the support layer (e.g., brick masonry), and the finishing plaster of a fine and dense consistency with a small thickness. By sanding in various directions and brushing, different textures can be achieved that are perceived differently in the light and will develop a distinct patina (depending on the sanding direction). Optionally, a fine layer of painting film can be added in order to protect the finishing plaster.

In the case of historical monuments, the first stage consists of the in situ analysis of the plaster, especially the cohesion of the material. The

cracks, their direction and depth, are visually inspected, and the cohesion is checked by non-invasive techniques. The next stage consists of the analysis of the plaster taken from the site to determine the chemical and physical composition using the latest technology available, such as XR or SEM. By covering the vast expression of plaster renders throughout architectural history and evaluating current practices in conservation and restoration, we will see how laboratory research and technology can aid in restoring the historic façades.