Genoa, former church of Saints Gerolamo and Francesco Saverio and former university library: conservation, reuse and enhancement proposals

The survey

The complex of the former Jesuit College underwent an overall architectural survey, commissioned by the University of Genoa, in the 1980s (Lamera and Pigafetta, 1987). From recent checks, as part of the studies commissioned to the authors by the local Superintendency, a number of inconsistencies were revealed between the published renderings of that survey and the current state of the places and it was necessary to design a new survey campaign.

The new survey, performed during the teaching activities of the School of Specialisation in Architectural Heritage and Landscape in Genoa, involved both the areas of the former church (the narthex, the nave, the presbytery and the areas of the chapels and the overhanging side chancels) and those adjoining the former religious building, consisting of corridors, stairwell, classrooms, offices, archives and toilets. The methods adopted for performing of the survey varied according to the characteristics of the studied environments: longimetric, topographical, laser scanner, digital photogrammetry.

The longimetric method has made it possible to detect narrow and confined environments, occupied by material of various kinds, where the use of other methods would have been more complex or completely impracticable, less effective and would have required more execution time. The topographic survey operations were performed with the use of a total station. The first phase involved the construction of a topographical network at the level of the reading room, including support points and stations both inside the large room and in the corridors that give access to the side rooms, thus forming a closed polygonal. The reading room was also surveyed with laser scanner instruments. The acquired point cloud was managed with the ReCap software, to obtain horizontal and vertical projections, then compared with the topographic survey. Rigorous digital photogrammetric surveying was used inside the left side chapel and apse, at the level of the former reading room of the University Library. Through the use of the AgisoftPhotoScan software it was possible to obtain a dense cloud of points and obtain from its elaboration a three-dimensional model of the environment, whose plan representation can be seen in figure (Figure 3).

The study of archival sources

Any reflection on its future uses, which could also involve significant modifications, cannot however ignore the short but intense history of the transformations undergone by the complex since the mid-nineteenth century which implicitly reveal the cultural attitudes of the actors who conceived and accomplished them.

In fact, in the already explored history of the construction of the Strada Balbi and the Jesuit Collegio (Di Biase, 1993), the roles and weight that the institutional and professional figures who worked on the former church in the 19th and 20th centuries have not been completely surveyed. The aim of the investigation is not only to complete a piece of urban and artistic history located in the wide frame of the city of Genoa, whose buildings have been recognised as world heritage of humanity, but also to correctly address the reuse project with necessary modifications, compatible with the preservation of the tangible and intangible values of the asset.

An in-depth investigation of archival sources has contributed to reconstructing a “micro-history”, which lasted just under ten years (from the first project for the transformation of the complex into a university library, in 1926, to its inauguration, in 1935), through the voices, recorded in archival documents, of the main protagonists of the design and construction events in question, partly ignored or “overshadowed” by the “official” historiography published so far and dedicated to the projects for the former library.

The historical-critical report attached to the Declaration of cultural interest concerning the former church of the Collegio (drafted in accordance with the Code of Cultural Heritage) traces the planning and construction events of the former University Library and attributes, as other published sources, the project to the engineer Carlo Fuselli (1926, first draft) and its complete realisation to the architects Mario Labò and Giuseppe Crosa di Vergagni, two of the most represented figures of twentieth-century architecture in Genoa, expressions (especially regarding Mario Labò) of a new “rationalist” thought presented with great sensitivity in the historical and landscape context of the city (Labò, 1923). Also in the corresponding documents we find the attribution of the project to the architects Mario Labò and Giuseppe Crosa di Vergagni and, implicitly, a historical-artistic value is also attributed to the metal shelving of the book deposit below the reading room, considered the work of the master. In the documents it is stated that: “The quality of the design meant that the structure was respected over time. The reading room and storeroom are largely original”. Furthermore, referring to the “critical success” of the work, the following passage is quoted from the article dedicated to it by the magazine “Casabella-Costruzioni”, one of the main publicity vehicles of the time for the new way of thinking about architecture: “Undoubted expertise and controlled taste of Labò, demonstrating to be respectful and jealous custodian of the ancient and frankly modern” (Pica, 1943). In the short text of the sheet, therefore, the authorship of the project for the large reading room and the creation and furnishing of the underlying book depository cannot be distinguished from that of the furnishings of the reading room and the restoration of the façade of the former church, as instead can be inferred from reading of the original text of the cited article. That is, the role of Carlo Fuselli is not clearly identified with that of Mario Labò and Giuseppe Crosa di Vergagni and, as an induced consequence, an almost untouchable historical-artistic value is transferred, albeit in an “informal” way, to the book deposit, almost as an installation to be “frozen” even in the absence of its actual content.

We can and must therefore ask ourselves how much of the current layout of the former church and former library is due to Mario Labò and Giuseppe Crosa di Vergagni and how much to Carlo Fuselli, chief engineer of the University's Technical Office until 1931, the year of his death (Figure 4).

Although it is now clear that Labò's intervention was late and not particularly “incisive” on the general layout of the spaces and structures, the comparative analysis of archive documents already investigated and others completely unpublished (Franco and Musso, 2022) has allowed us to shed new light on the various actors involved in the transformation of the former church into a library and on their respective roles as well as indirectly testifying to the cultural attitude that underpinned such radical and invasive design choices as to make the seventeenth-century sacred space almost completely unreadable. Carlo Fuselli's first project (1926), very respectful of the architectural decorative apparatus and the spatiality of the former church, it was – under consideration by the Director of the University Library – insufficient to contain the book deposit (Regia Università di Genova, 1926; Nurra, 1932; Celle, 1934). It was therefore necessary to draw up a second project (1928) which provided for the raising of the reinforced concrete floors to build the large reading room at a height incompatible with the decorative apparatus; the large metal shelving inserted in the deposit thus created, of the prefabricated type, was installed well before Mario Labò's entry into the architectural project, who was essentially asked for a contribution for the choice of furnishings; lastly, and perhaps even more interesting, it was the Superintendent himself, arch. Nebbia, that suggested heavily transformative interventions of what remained, surviving, of the seventeenth-century space in the new reading room, such as the “demolition of the pillars and the current cornice along the walls”(a cornice which, in a handwritten note added to the typewritten copy, is defined as “non-original”). “These architectural elements are ancient; but detached as they are from the underlying parts, they no longer have any proportional relationship with the residual environment which, stripped of this ornamental excess, will be more harmonious in only the geometric shapes. It should be added that, modelled to be seen from the floor of the church, i.e. from over 15 metres away, these ornaments are of too summary and coarse modelling to be appreciated up close” (Archivio S.A.P.P.). In this regard, Superintendent Nebbia prescribed a “painting of the walls and vault with a clear and calm uniform tone, aimed only at enhancing the dazzling beauty of the frescoes”. Other space, in the documents cited, is given to the methods of restoration of the “admirable frescoes by Piola, which are some of the most remarkable of all Genoese painting”, while for the façade of the church, “after general plastering of the architectural and decorative parts of it will be reassembled integrally in the first aspect on the original structure, taking up the mouldings, the projections, the decorations, etc. according to the evident traces and the most reliable graphic memories” (Plate 3).

The new interpretation of the recent history of the former Church, made possible following the finding of new documentation and a cross-reading, has reduced the authorial value of the book deposit, making it possible to agree on a less conservative approach and a greater focus on making the seventeenth-century space legible.

The analysis of the state of conservation and the phenomena of degradation in progress

Due to the prolonged abandonment, the consequent lack of maintenance and of constant cleaning, the building is affected in every part by widespread surface deposits, some solid, some fragmented, with different intensities from area to area, as well as by accumulations of debris and household goods discarded in many environments.

The conditions of abandonment have also negatively affected the system of external fixtures which present localised breakages in the glass, rotting of the wooden parts and oxidation of the metal ones and widespread inefficiencies and malfunctions (blockage of movement and closing/opening elements). As a result, the direct and indirect infiltrations have caused localised phenomena of saline efflorescence, fragmentation and pulverisation of the superficial and deep layers of the internal plasters. On the walls partially or totally decorated with wall paintings, mostly in fresco but with dry applications, this has led to the almost total disappearance of the relevant seventeenth-century decorative elements. The phenomenon is particularly accentuated in the back wall of the apse, in the former reading room, due to the breakage and malfunctioning of the gutters of the University building behind it and at a shaft detached from the neighbouring buildings (Balbi 1) which constitutes a source of anomalous concentration of humidity which, in turn, penetrates and rises in the walls of the former church.

Inefficiency and breakage or lack of fixtures also make it possible for birds to enter and the consequent accumulation of guano or carcasses, compromising the internal hygiene and health conditions, especially in the service rooms adjacent to the reading room towards the roof terrace of the underlying chapels, to the east and in the fire escape.

The lack of use also resulted in the abandonment of each system. The lack of air conditioning and ventilation had negative consequences on the internal microclimate of the reading room, with consequent damage to the frescoes in the apse area, both on the former nave, now no longer used as a book deposit but still occupied by the metal shelves that contained it, creating particularly unhealthy and unfavourable conditions for the conservation of the decorative elements still present. Amongst these, first of all, the frescoes on the walls of the apse under the large reinforced concrete floor that divides the church horizontally, not only those in the lateral chancels but also the stuccoes of the top cornice and its painted but faded frieze.

Partial results of direct investigations: risks, vulnerability and fragility, technological, constructive and functional deficits

From the studies carried out, as a first and immediate result, a number of situations of fragility and the correlated risk factors for the future of the former church are revealed, on which to intervene with works of “extreme urgency” which can be summarised as follows:

1. Inefficiency of rainwater outflow systems from roofs and its disposal (overflow of gutter channels with insufficient section, partial blockages, breakages, etc.), especially in the parts in contact with the adjacent building of the University of Genoa (via Balbi 5), with which there is also a complex situation of spatial and functional “interference” which in turn requires a clear future solution in management terms.

2. Inefficiency of the fixture system and consequent risk of rainwater penetrating into the building. For example, one of the roof skylights was damaged by the intense meteoric phenomena of last year and caused rainwater to percolate into the former reading room. Fortunately, the problem has now been resolved by the Superintendency with prompt emergency intervention. However, a similar situation could occur again in the future, given the absence of any ordinary maintenance caused by the abandonment of the building.

3. Total obsolescence of the systems and the need to remove the relative ducts and distribution networks, pending new installations, to be designed in relation to future uses, in compliance with the relevant current legislation.

4. Inadequacy and non-compliance with the rules of the current system of accessibility and outflow of users in safe conditions, which will need to be radically rethought in relation to the new possible uses.

The surveys, analyses (also in the laboratory) and diagnoses developed by the School of Specialisation have consequently highlighted the need to perform as soon as possible, and potentially in successive phases in relation to the remaining overall design choices on the future use of the building, the interventions summarised below (Figure 5).

The choice of a new compatible use

The first objective of the preservation, reuse and valorisation project is to reintegrate the former University Library into the context of Via Balbi, to restore a social and cultural fulcrum within the urban fabric, enhancing the main entrance on the square. This objective is pursued with the choice of a new function of a public nature that allows different possibilities of use.

The former church of Saints Gerolamo and Francesco Saverio is a state property, once granted for use to the University Library of Genoa, then to the Ministry of Culture. The current condition of non-use therefore constitutes an element of dutiful reflection/action by the Ministry through its peripheral bodies. Moreover, the mixture of spaces and functions that the former church has with the neighbouring monumental complex of the former Jesuit college, i.e. with the University of Genoa, is evident. This requires, in perspective, at least the search for possible agreements and synergies for the identification of the most appropriate and compatible future uses with the protection of the characters and values of the entire complex including the church, as well as for the future management of these spaces and facilities.

The strategic proximity between the offices of the two institutions (local offices of the Ministry of Culture and University) therefore leads us to hypothesise a future of the complex hinged on functions that are capable of maximising the values (research, training, protection, conservation and use) that characterise both. This alliance could also be extended to other institutional subjects (Municipality, Region, Palazzo Ducale Foundation) to ensure that, rather than a “black hole”, the former Jesuit church becomes a new pole of attraction and revitalisation of the system of via Balbi. A first intention will be to reintegrate the former University Library in the context of the street, to repair a fulcrum of social and cultural reference within the urban fabric, enhancing the main entrance on the square.

In agreement with the Superintendence of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape of the metropolitan city of Genoa and with the Regional Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, the entire building, with the exception of the ground floor, will be used to house the Library of the Superintendency itself and other Institutes of the Ministry of Culture, with all the functions connected to it (warehouses, offices, consultation rooms, services). The ground floor, used as a conference/exhibition hall, will instead also be useable by the external public, on the occasion of events such as conferences, conventions, concerts and exhibitions, to name but a few. The functions therefore open up to a wider and more diversified user base, while ensuring that there is no interference between the different uses and users. In this way, a compatible adaptive reuse of the different phases of the complex is proposed.

The volumes of the new library will be housed in a portion of the existing metal shelving; in fact, it is planned to conserve an “intact” portion of the existing metal shelving (currently occupying the entire church hall under the large attic) as an important testimony of a historical phase of the building.

The size of the shelving to be preserved and reused is finalised according to the needs of the new library repository to be installed (Antonio Morassi Arts Library 450 ml, Armando Dillon Architecture Library 290 ml, – Luigi Bernabò Brea Archaeological Library 370 ml, IISL Library 38 ml) for a total of 1,148 ml.

Maintaining five modules of the existing shelving on each floor and also using the space above the atrium (third floor) and the first side chapel on the right (first and second floors) for book storage would provide 1,398 ml of shelving, which is already surplus to requirements.

Future accessibility

Accessibility represents an ethical and civilisational objective, as well as giving meaning and significance to every intervention on assets and places of cultural interest for the benefit of present and future generations. This objective must and can always be pursued in compliance with the values and characteristics for which the property has been legally declared to be of public interest and, even more so, to guarantee its best enjoyment by the communities to which it belongs.

The demolition or overcoming of the architectural barriers currently present in the architectural complex may be required, in particular the execution of a set of interventions and works which, by their nature, could involve the sacrifice or transformation of some parts attributable to its construction phase or to its subsequent restorations and adjustments that have taken place over time.

The reuse project must in particular seek to:

1. Minimise the transformations necessary for the installation of the mechanical reascent system.

2. Limit the points of contact between new structures/elements and existing ones to the bare minimum, if necessary for structural and functional reasons.

3. Allow a potential reversibility-removability of the new elements inserted in the existing spaces and structures.

4. Reduce the visual impact of new structures and new elements to preserve the unity of the spaces, their physical consistency, their architectural characteristics and the continuity of internal and external views.

5. Restore the spatial legibility of the building, its architectural values and its complex historical stratifications which constitute a singular and irreproducible testimonial palimpsest for the history of Genoa.

Consequently, the accessibility system requires:

1. Installation of an internal ramp in the side rooms to ensure accessibility to all the rooms in the central space of the ground floor hall.

2. Interventions on the existing external paving to eliminate or mitigate as far as possible the unevenness and discontinuities currently present.

3. The creation of new accessible toilet facilities on the floors, where permitted by the character of the existing spaces and in compliance with their protected values.

4. The adaptation of existing stairs with the installation of handrails on both sides, to ensure their usability/safety for a wider range of users.

5. Adaptation of the use of the doors to ensure their usability/security to a wider range of users.

6. Overcoming unevenness through the construction of ramps and lifts/passenger lifts.

7. Installation of tactile/3D model maps for use of the internal spaces and for identification of the historical and artistic elements preserved in the complex.

8. Creation of internal tactile walking surface indicator paths, to make the building useable also by persons with visual impairments.

9. Installation of suitable magnetic induction systems, for use of the conference rooms by persons with hearing disabilities.

Indications for architectural and functional design: considerations on lost spatiality

The interventions carried out in the thirties of the twentieth century, to make the former church capable of hosting the University Library of Genoa with its more than 650,000 volumes, inevitably distorted its internal spatiality and obliterated and partially damaged the internal decorative apparatus. The spatial reading of the former Jesuit church is today much compromised: the visitor, entering the building, is unable to perceive and understand the space in which they find themselves. Thus, from the large unitary space of the church, the large reading room above the attic and the “technological machine” of the deposits, in the underlying part, were “derived”.

As inevitable consequences of the construction of the new floor, we can summarily highlight that:

1. The important cycle of frescoes in the apse has since then been irreparably broken into two parts, losing its unity and perceptible meaning;

2. The frescoes of the vault have since remained visible from unusual proximity only for those persons who frequent the reading room;

3. The lower walls, which are in turn frescoed, have since then been effectively invisible to most people and, only at times, barely intuitive, because they are hidden amongst the books collected on the shelves, exclusively for those persons assigned to distribute the volumes;

4. Parts of the large moulded stucco cornice, with dentils, cherubs, decorations with plant shoots and rosettes were destroyed to allow the main beams of the new attic to be housed in the perimeter walls;

5. The high painted frieze of the cornice, decorated with floral motifs, has been completely whitewashed with “lime milk” (but it survives under this surface layer and its fate will have to be decided);

6. The need to anchor the large “technological machine” of the shelves of the book deposits has caused further focused damage to the perimeter wall structures of the former church;

7. The construction, over time, of various systems (air treatment, lighting, fire extinguishing, freight elevators, etc.) has led to widespread tampering with the existing surfaces, including decorated ones, and with the walls themselves (think of one of the side chancels with frescoed vaults knocked down to install the upright columns of the air treatment system).

The attempt to restore, at least in part, an internal visual unity of the spaces will therefore be fundamental in order to allow for a complete and more immediate understanding. At the same time, both the shelving and the reinforced concrete floor, as historical evidence of the various phases of use of the building, constitute a remarkable example of engineering and architecture from the 1930s, which must be preserved, at least in part, as an important testimony of a historical phase of the building. The possibility of creating openings in the reinforced concrete floor will therefore have to be further verified, preserving an adequate portion of the existing floor, following a structural intervention to consolidate the beams affected by partial cutting, which allow on the one hand proposing of the original points of view of the frescoes, from the ground floor, and which, on the other, guarantee better natural lighting towards the lower rooms. In this way it will also be possible to enjoy the vision of the frescoes from a close-up position (as is currently the case), thanks to a walkway along the walls of the apse at the level of the former hall.

It is planned to preserve an “intact” portion of the existing metal shelving, as an important testimony of a historical phase of the building. The pre-design choice was oriented towards maintaining a portion leaning against the counter-façade of the former church to restore, as far as possible, the spatiality of the hall towards the apse. In this way, any problems of a static-structural nature can also be resolved more easily, allowing this solution to keep the shelving anchored on three sides to the walls of the former church.

On the side facing the apse, it is proposed to keep a clear and continuous vertical section of the shelving, for all its levels. In this hypothesis, the final design solution, to be defined in terms of detail at the final and executive design level, would make it possible to have a complete view of the entire functioning of the machine at the various levels, to make it useable and viable again as a book deposit or for another compatible use. Furthermore, this solution will make it possible to free up the space in front of the apse and restore visibility to its decorations, from the level of the entrance floor to the former church.

A specific project must be developed for the disassembly of the shelving, which verifies the constructive and structural aspects in detail, in order to guarantee the stability of the parts to be kept, together with their functionality, and the removal of the remaining modules, investigating the possible operational methods, which must take into account the particular context in which it will operate and must be aimed at maintaining the greatest possible integrity.

In the back wall of the apse, then, there is still the recess that housed the ancient altarpiece and which could house a high-resolution reproduction of it (where still traceable), or even a work of contemporary art, to give new meaning to the entire painted apparatus, with fake Corinthian columns, which framed it. Also to be evaluated is the possibility/opportunity of making further “surgical cuts” in the attic, at the large skylights created over the reading room, with post-war interventions, to allow the descent of natural light also to the lower levels.

Regarding the complex “technological machine” of the deposits, built with the horizontal and vertical reiteration of the basic shelf module created by the Lips-Vago company, the hypothesis of its overall lightning was evaluated, to obtain spaces for the new hypothesised uses and to free up, at least in part, the original space of the church and the original visuals of its decorative elements. This must be associated with the creation of new vertical connection systems (stairs, lifts, freight elevators) between the surviving levels of use amongst the existing ones of the “technological machine” of the former book deposits, or completely new ones, linked to the new conceivable uses of the complex, also necessary for safety and accessibility reasons. Also needed is the design of new building works necessary to reform the existing hygienic and technological services, a review of the escape routes in relation to new uses and the design of new technological systems (heating, air conditioning, air treatment, cooling, vertical ascents, electricity, lighting, etc.) in relation to new uses and in compliance with the pre-eminent conservation/enhancement needs of the asset (Figure 6).

The reuse pre-project envisages a new lift system to serve the preserved portion of shelving, as the now existing vertical connection is missing, located in the centre of the former classroom and unusable in safety conditions, based on the previously described hypotheses.

The design choice of the new “staircase” and its positioning, in investigating the spatial, architectural and technical relationships of the new element with the preserved portion of shelving and, therefore, the possibility of its insertion inside or outside of it, will have to find architectural constructive solutions that can solve and combine the functional and safety needs with the formal ones, given the importance that this element will assume in relation to the space in front.

The use of constructive solutions for this new element, of a metallic nature, which can be assembled “dry” and self-supporting, would make it possible to reduce its visual and structural impact, giving transparency and lightness and would make it easily removable if required or in the event of change of use of the artefact. The compositional language must be recognisable and must communicate with the surroundings, continuing, where possible, the alignments and dimensional characteristics.

To obtain greater spatial, functional and perceptive permeability between the large internal volumes of the building, creating as far as possible a new unity or overall coherence and at the same time allowing greater natural lighting to the lower levels of the portion of the “metallic machine” preserved, the possibility of creating two openings inside the reinforced concrete slab that supports the floor of the former reading room of the University Library will be investigated. As already highlighted, in addition to the pre-design studies already elaborated and accounted for in the relative report attached to the Technical Data Sheet, appropriate constructive, technological and structural investigations must be provided to verify the feasibility of such partial demolitions (Figure 7).

Preventive and provisional interventions of utmost urgency

Even before the identification of possible future interventions related to the reuse of the complex, the need arose to identify, quantify and program (by the Superintendency) highly urgent interventions to halt evident phenomena of degradation, thereby hopefully resolving the causes. This is a first and significant result of the analytical and study activities, which anticipates the identification of correct technical proposals and solutions, culturally aware and consistent with the regulations in force on the subject, with the different and often contradictory requirements for protection, conservation, use, environmental sustainability, improvement of energy and seismic behaviour, regeneration and future management of the property. These are summarised in the following points:

1. Repair of faults in valleys, gutters and downspouts.

2. Closure of all discontinuities and gaps in the external wall surfaces (also overlooking shafts and internal branches between buildings of the complex and with neighbouring ones) from which rainwater can penetrate within the walls themselves and into the internal spaces of the former church, as well as the numerous birds that settle above all in the attic spaces and in other gaps causing intolerable hygienic situations with their droppings.

3. Repair and recovery of the existing external and internal fixtures (with limited replacements, only if unavoidable), including the large skylights on the roof.

4. Redevelopment of the shafts that flank the former church, ensuring the correct regulation and the effective removal of rainwater, also coming from the rainwater that often stagnates on their bottom.

5. Removal of outdated, obsolescent, no longer compliant network system elements and linked to ceased and unconfirmable uses (ascending columns and horizontal distribution channels of the treated air, electrical cable networks, fire extinguishing system pipes to sprinklers, with attached anchors, brackets, pins and support elements, etc.).

6. The removal of incongruous elements potentially capable of triggering further degradation phenomena (nails, cables, pipes, patches of cement mortar incompatible with the masonry supports and neighbouring areas, etc.).

These works will naturally have to be designed and performed in a coordinated manner (also as executive phases) with the conservation/restoration interventions of the superficial decorative apparatuses and with the creation of any new works related to the future uses of the former church and annexed premises.

Conservation and restoration of decorative elements

The restoration of the decorated surfaces of the former Church must be of a conservative nature and must ensure the permanence of the stratigraphic signs and traces that characterise the building in its general configuration, as evidence of its various past uses, first as a “church” and after as a “library”.

The operational methodology of the intervention must be based on the principle of conservation, working first of all for the elimination of the causes of deterioration described above, to then identify the intervention techniques applicable to the present deterioration phenomena. The choice of the intervention techniques must envisage the use of materials that are compatible with the existing ones and which can guarantee the “retractability” of the surfaces.

The back wall of the apse is affected by vast losses of painted figurative parts, following falling off of the layers that compose the fresco. The phenomena of degradation still in progress show, in any case, the stratification of the finish necessary for the creation of a frescoed wall.

The design approach to the treatment of the “lacune” will in any case need to preserve the current state, guaranteeing the conservation of all the materials that compose the various layers that emerge to be seen, albeit mitigating their impact on the overall perception of the decorated parts. The parts of a fresco that are not usually visible, for example the preparatory drawing, the engraved paths, the sinopia, etc. are, in fact, important evidence of the techniques and process of creating the fresco itself. With the aim of conserving the image of the work of art and of the preparatory techniques, the intervention will therefore have to guarantee the conservation of the current state.

The presence of frescoes on the walls below the large reinforced concrete attic is concealed by layers of different textures and various covering effects. Along the band that is interposed between the mouldings on the top floor of the shelving, as well as on almost the entire height of the apse wall, is in fact visible a pale colour which suggests the presence of other decorations. During the detail design phase, the possibility of removing these whitewashes must be investigated and explored on the basis of the results of the diagnostic and fact-finding investigations which will be able to restore their state of conservation and their extension.

Part of the band decorated with floral and plant-based motifs, within the cornice under the large slab of the reading room, characterised by whitewashing, and a good part of the one above, consisting of mouldings and stuccoes in relief, are affected by the widespread presence of continuous stains of blue colour deriving in all probability from leaks of the coolant liquids of the ventilation system currently present but destined to be removed. A more precise identification of the compound must precede the identification of the suitable solvent for removal of the stains.

The entire complex is also occupied by elements that are attributable to the electrical systems and numerous ventilation channels whose positioning has been the cause of many demolitions and vast destructions of portions of masonry, vaults and decorative elements; to date, the systems are oversized and incompatible with the lines of the new project and, consequently, it will be necessary to proceed with their removal and only then act on the surfaces to repair the damage caused by their installation (Plate 4).

Regarding the protruding moulded cornice, with corbels depicting cherubs, alternating with stucco elements with floral decorations: the cornice and numerous decorative elements are currently in an advanced state of deterioration due to the construction of the reinforced concrete slab and the presence of the ducts of the previous ventilation system. In summary, most of the deterioration on the modelled part is due to the conversion project of the former church into a university library which effectively mutilated, in several parts, all of these elements.

The main degradations are however attributable to the presence of saline efflorescence due to the construction of the reinforced concrete slab, which changed the climatic conditions of the architectural complex, the corrosion of the support irons of the stucco, causing them to fall and the insertion of “foreign” bodies” which resulted in cuts and losses of much historical material.

The objectives of the intervention must be aimed mainly at the removal of incongruous and incompatible material, such as the sheet metal ducts and the removal of part of the reinforced concrete slab which will also serve to re-establish correct microclimatic conditions inside the underlying hall of the former church. In any case, the necessary restoration interventions must be carefully evaluated on a case-by-case basis, in relation to the type and state of progress of the current deterioration.

In relation to the deficiencies existing in the stucco decoration parts, two different conditions can in any case already be identified: in the first case, there is a loss of original material and the consequent exposure of the secondary iron supports while, in the second case, the stucco element, detached from its support, is still found preserved in situ. In the first case it will be necessary to intervene first of all with preliminary operations of cleaning the rods and integration of the missing stucco layer, evaluating to which finishing level to push these additions in figurative terms.

The cuts due to the passage of the ventilation systems should be treated with the integration of the missing part of the masonry, through an operation of simplification of the existing geometric lines, to mend the cut and restore continuity to the decorative apparatus, always ensuring the recognition of the new construction works (Plate 5).

Plant equipment

The building must be equipped with new systems for air treatment (where necessary) and for heating/cooling of the internal environments.

As it is a cultural asset subject to protection pursuant to art. 10 paragraph 1 of Italian Legislative Decree 42/2004, the project to improve the energy performance of the building may derogate from the obligations and specific minimum requirements.

The new plant equipment is necessary, first of all, to ensure the conservation of the decorations and frescoes in the apse, seriously degraded due to the internal microclimatic conditions but also to make the existing spaces actually useable and liveable by the public, in view of their re-functionalisation.

The thermo-hygrometric conditions for the conservation of wall paintings and the thermal comfort of people.

1. The volumes of the nave are very large but the sedentary activities hypothesised there are concentrated solely on the ground floor. Consequently, the terminals of the cooling/heating and air treatment systems will be concentrated in the lower part of the volume.

2. All the machines and plant terminals must be equipped with automatic and autonomous regulation and in every room there must be probes to control the thermo-hygrometric and microclimatic conditions.

3. In any case, the systems must be designed considering the different functions of the complex, so that the spaces can also be used in sectioned ways and at different times.

Machines, distribution networks and terminals must be designed so that they can be inserted within the spaces, respecting the historical-architectural value and the multilayered material consistency of the architectural complex.

These elements must, as much as possible, be hidden from view or integrated into external furnishing elements, in any case avoiding further the destruction and removal of existing architectural, constructive and formal elements.