Modern Architecture and Color. Conservation of 20th century building materials and surfaces. Special Issue of the "Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture", vol. 17, n. 11, November 2023 (serial number 192)

In 20th century architecture, color plays different roles determining both aesthetic value and significance of modern buildings: from a tool of spatial qualification, to an element connected to social, pedagogical or healing aspects, to a feature of natural and urban landscape. The legacy of this season of experimentation and innovation is today dealing with the fragility of building materials and surfaces, that are progressively changing the heritage in the eyes of the observer. The theme of conservation and preservation of modern polychrome surfaces highlights aspects and criticalities, both theoretical and operative, that require specific in-depth studies. The special issue of JCEA brings together relevant ongoing researches and recent studies presented as part of the International Research Seminar “Modern Architecture and Color. Knowledge and conservation of 20th century building materials and surfaces” (1) promoted by the Research Cluster “He.Modern - Heritage culture and Modern design” of the Iuav University of Venice, held in Venice on 28th October 2022. Each paper is based both on the historical analysis of the archival documentation and the in situ investigation of relevant buildings characterized by an experimental use of color, understanding their qualities and providing new methods of characterization of materials and techniques, new approaches for the analysis of alteration and degradation phenomena, and innovative strategies for the preservation and maintenance program. The studies reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the international research intended as an opportunity for dialogue between Italian and foreign scholars on case-studies and topics not yet investigated, with the aim of making a contribution to knowledge and preservation of modern architectural heritage. (1) International Research Seminar “Architettura e colore. Conoscenza e conservazione di materiali e superfici del XX secolo / Modern Architecture and Color. Knowledge and conservation of 20th century building materials and surfaces”, Aula Magna Tolentini, Università Iuav di Venezia, 28th October 2022. As part of the research and educational activities of SSIBAP - Post-graduate School of Specialization in Architectural and Landscape Heritage, and research cluster "He.Modern - Heritage culture and Modern design". Under the auspices of SIRA – the Italian Society for Architectural Conservation/Restoration, DOCOMOMO Italy, FOAV Federazione Regionale Ordini Architetti Pianificatori Paesaggisti e Conservatori del Veneto, and Ordine degli Architetti, Pianificatori, Paesaggisti e Conservatori di Venezia. Scientific Committee: Paolo Faccio, Susanna Caccia Gherardini, Angelo Maggi, Marco Pretelli, Pierre-Antoine Gatier, Giacinta Jean. Organizing Committee: Sara Di Resta, Greta Bruschi. The outcomes of the International Research Seminar are collected in this JCEA special issue, edited by S. Di Resta, G. Bruschi and P. Faccio.