September 30, 1934, marked the arrival of Marco Dezzi Bardeschi in Florence, where he would eventually cement his status as a pivotal figure in the evolution of Italian architectural conservation. Over his 84-year life, he bridged the distinct disciplines of engineering and restoration, influencing how historic structures were preserved within the contemporary urban fabric of his native country.
Academic Foundations and Research
Dezzi Bardeschi completed his formal training at the University of Florence before embarking on an extensive career in academia. His professional trajectory included early practical experience at the Soprintendenza of Arezzo, which informed his later theoretical contributions. At the Polytechnic University of Milan, he served as a professor of Architectural Restoration. In 1980, he founded the Department for the Conservation of Architectural and Environmental Resources, overseeing its operations until 1985. During this same period, he also coordinated the university's doctoral program focused on the preservation of architectural heritage.
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His work centered on the Italian debate surrounding the conservation of buildings and environmental resources. He actively participated in high-level organizational leadership, serving as the president of the Italian section of ICOMOS between 2003 and 2007. In 2008 and 2009, he organized the Third International Travelling Exhibition of Monumental Restoration, held in Rome and Naples respectively, to advance public and professional engagement with restoration techniques.
Editorial Work and Legacy
In 1993, he established the magazine 'ANANKE, an architectural publication dedicated to the culture, history, and technical aspects of conservation. He remained at the helm of the magazine as its director until he died in 2018. As a member of the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno, he maintained a lifelong connection to the artistic traditions of Florence. His career as an architect, engineer, and restorer concluded upon his death in his home city, leaving a significant impact on the methodology of architectural preservation.
Fast facts
- Born: 1934, Florence
- Died: 2018, Florence
- Nationality: Italy
- Education: University of Florence
- Key Roles: Professor, Polytechnic University of Milan
- Professional Organizations: ICOMOS, Accademia delle Arti del Disegno
- Publication Founded: 'ANANKE
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Marco Dezzi Bardeschi teach?
He was a professor of Architectural Restoration at the Polytechnic University of Milan.
Did he manage any architectural publications?
Yes, he founded the architectural magazine 'ANANKE in 1993 and directed it until his death in 2018.
Achievements
- Trained at University of Florence
