Theoretical construct, method and working tool of the “Preventive Restoration”

A restoration may constitute a positive moment to guarantee the conservation, transmission and a compatible use of an historical architecture, but it is often the result of a long and guilty omission of care, attesting a lack of interest in the architectural heritage we are late forced to heal with extensive and inva-sive interventions that, in most cases, could be prevented. Clear maintenance programs and a correct and well-planned preventive action could be sufficient to avoid unexpected interventions when it is too late; such simple concepts - apparently shared by everyone - however, remain rele-gated to a level of brainy attitudes or protocols that do not produce any ad-vantage in terms of sustainability. This contribution develops by recalling the historical roots of prevention, highlighting the relevance of maintenance and, finally, showing the results of a research project conceived and launched in 2008, as part of L.I.R.B.A. Labora-torio di Indagini e Restauro dei Beni Architettonici (University of Palermo).