Earth and bricks architecture: for a conservation of stratigraphical traces

ABSTRACT: This paper discusses the issue of restoration interventions on earth based techniques, including both earth, earth-made bricks and baked bricks. Walls of this type are very interesting for materials variety, processing craft and assembly to other elements. Degradation is very different in these cases, it is more evident in earth walls but it occurs also in the other situations. Restorations and micro-substitutions were frequent since the ancient times. How can we interpret them now, with current archaeology architecture methods and tools? Do we have enough tools for this today? And… How any can intervention be possible without erasing the traces and the variety that are inside the object? Some very interesting experiences occurred recently in northern Italy, and this paper deals with these examples in answering the questions above. The solution adopted chooses an ever deepening knowledge of the materials and the techniques as a guideline for an ever more respectful restoration.