Architectural Composition as an Acknowledgement Tool for Archaeology; The Case of Paestum Archaeological Park

Parastou Mollahosseinali; Seyedamirhossein Nourbakhsh

Architectural Composition as an Acknowledgement Tool for Archaeology; The Case of Paestum Archaeological Park

Parastou Mollahosseinali
University of Aldo Moro Bari, Italy
Seyedamirhossein Nourbakhsh
University of Federico II, Naples, Italy

Abstract

Archaeological sites serve as dynamic spaces that narrate stories across time, using their fragmented structures to reveal hidden histories and evoke lost environments. These ruins, far from being static remnants, invite reinterpretation and imaginative engagement. By exploring their spatial arrangements, we can uncover layers of architectural composition that offer insights into both their historical form and their current fragmented state. This dual perspective allows for reconstructions that envision their past completeness and an appreciation of their present condition as cultural artifacts.

Ruins, in their incompleteness, become catalysts for imagination, bridging the tangible and intangible aspects of history. The act of reconstructing spaces from fragments is inherently selective and interpretive, requiring deliberate choices that shape how these sites are perceived and experienced. This process transforms ruins into legible compositions that com-municate a coherent narrative, blending past and present into an evolving dialogue. By reimagining these spaces, architects and designers can work on heritage while creating immersive experiences that transcend temporal boundaries, offering a richer understanding of history and its connection to contemporary design.

This paper investigates how architectural composition defines the spatiality of archaeological parks, focusing on the interplay between archaeology and architecture. It draws on a didactic experience of Master thesis at the University of Naples Federico II (Master of Science in Architecture and Heritage, 2024–2025, with supervision of Professors Federica Visconti and Renato Capozzi) that explores these themes through a study of Paestum archaeological park.

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Mollahosseinali, P., & Nourbakhsh, S. (2025). Architectural Composition as an Acknowledgement Tool for Archaeology; The Case of Paestum Archaeological Park. In Architectural Experiences, 1, (pp. 44-49). Editura Universitară Ion Mincu

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Architectural Composition as an Acknowledgement Tool for Archaeology; The Case of Paestum Archaeological Park

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