CONSECH20

The 20th cent. concrete heritage is a major challenge for conservation both because of its remarkable architectural variety and experimental character in use of materials and technologies as well as due to the lack of recognition of its cultural and historical value by the wide public. These aspects, together with the fast-changing urban environment, are leading causes of its deterioration and, sometimes, demolition. CONSECH20 focuses on constructions built with early concrete (until 1960) with social interest in the sense of bringing people together (e.g. for recreation, inhabiting, working) to strengthen the link between society and 20th cent. architectural heritage. CONSECH20 will (i) increase the potential of 20th cent. early concrete CH as a promotion vector for social integration and cultural tourism, (ii) contribute to the establishment and development of the notion of Heritage Science, a relatively new and emerging field of science that aspires to bridge the gap between humanities and applied sciences, (iii) outline new approaches to participatory monitoring and conservation/restoration for future use of modern architectural heritage by stakeholders, and (iv) outline new approaches for citizen engagement in the protection of modern architectural heritage. The project will use representative case studies of early concrete buildings in 4 of the participating countries (Cyprus, Czech Republic, Italy, and The Netherlands) that can lead to the selection of appropriate evaluation and testing scenarios. The consortium estimates that a budget of 977,702 € for 36 months will allow achieving the project goals.

Investigator: Cristiana Lara Nunes

Funding body/programme: H2020 - JPI

Duration: 2019 - 2021

Project website: www.consech20.eu