A fragile monument. The restoration of the Brion Tomb complex: issues and reflections

Abstract

This work aims to illustrate difficulties in conservation and intervention with regard to Carlo Scarpa’s exposed reinforced concrete, which is characterised by unique formal features. The case study of the Brion Tomb (1969-78), designed by Carlo Scarpa (1906-1978), is exceptional for its monumental character, along with its designer’s desire to envisage its ageing, but not its deterioration, over time. In this sense, the almost exclusive use of reinforced concrete for the building and the choice of certain experimental technical solutions place this architectural complex within the general context of problems related to the restoration of contemporary architecture, due to the theoretical and operational difficulties in defining interventions for its conservation. The restoration of this complex, which was completed in 2020, was an extraordinary opportunity to reflect on the methods and limits of conservation work, and to update technical capabilities to the current state of the art.

Keywords

• reinforced concrete
• brion tomb
• carlo scarpa
• restoration of xx century architecture
• patina
• lacuna
• reproducibility
• maintenance