ROOF STRUCTURES OVER ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREAS:

CONSERVATIONAND VALORISATION

Anelinda Di Muzio

dimuzio.arc@libero.it

ABSTRACT

The principle objective of a new permanent structure designed to protect an archaeological site is the

conservation ofancient remains. Atthe same time, asthis choice may also imply anintention toopenthe site

forpublicuse,italsomovespursuesitsvalorisation.Consequently,conservationandvalorisationcoexistand

require asensitivity andculture ofdesignthat leads todecisions that donotinterfere withtheconservation of

ancient remains and favour their fruition. For this reason it is possible to identify an idea of valorisation

intended as the practical fruition of an archaeological site, and consisting of all those works designed to

favour accessibility and visitation. There is also an idea of valorisation tied to the comprehension of ancient

architecturethat,oftenaruin,mustbeexplained.

This text emphasises how the insertion of a protective structure responds not only to the needs of

conservation, but may also constitute the ‘revealing’ aspect of restoration, so important in archaeological

contexts,forthemostpartcomprisedoffragmentsrichwithhistorythoughinmanycasesdevoidofform.

Key-words: Conservation,valorisation,roofstructure,ancientarchitecture,fruition