SCIENZA E BENI CULTURALI XXXII.2016
Francesco Di Lorenzo Università degli Studi di Camerino – Scuola di Ateneo Architettura e Design francesco.dilorenzo9@libero.it
The implementation of typological analysis in architectural restoration and in urban conservation planning represents a controversial issue. Since these methodologies imply a thorough reading of the historical urban fabric, they have been generally appreciated. However, this approach has also been criticized, especially for the outcomes resulting from several conservation plans. Taking into account exemplary experiences and reviewing the most important theories (Muratori's Italian school and Conzen's English school), this paper wants to offer a general overview on the researches concerning urban form. From the most recent experiences emerges the need of a broader and integrated approach, that can intersect traditional methods with other tools, coming from different fields. Eventually, this paper features the results of a research concerning the urban form of Ascoli Piceno, with a focus on its building typologies. The surveys of the urban fabric, combined to archival/bibliographical/archaeological data, helped in the description of the town historical development. Different tools supported the typological analysis: medieval land registers, ancient maps, documents related to the town's Building Commissions, etc. These methodologies led to a deeper understanding of the building tissue and to the definition of conservation strategies. Parole chiave/Key-words: typology, morphology, urban form, historical tissue, building types.