Technology and Architectural Heritage: Dynamic Connections

Technological aspects strongly characterise the built environment in both material and immaterial dimensions. The architectural heritage (the built environment that has acquired cultural meanings, without prejudice regarding the age and the scale of observation) offers a peculiar point of view for dealing with this issue. This paper outlines the dynamic connections between technology, the whole idea of architectural heritage and the approaches to intervention. A focus is placed on four main theoretical aspects, the effects of which are also significant on the practical field: the distance from contemporaneity; the concept of Time; reliable conservation; sustainability. The technological evolution that has had such an effect on the architectural heritage is briefly outlined, starting from the First Industrial Revolution and concluding with digitalisation, which is now imposing a profound rethinking regarding both technology and heritage. From such considerations, it might be possible to derive a paradigm, to be discussed and shared, aimed at piloting the conservation of the architectural heritage in the forthcoming years.