Thesis title: Complessi termali di epoca romana. Conoscenza, restauro e valorizzazione. Il caso delle Terme Centrali di Turris Lybisonis in Sardegna
Belonging to the cultural dimension of the Roman world meant that thermal baths became a permanent feature of the urban landscape in all territories under the dominion of the former roman empire.
Time has therefore left us with a vast and diverse collection of heritage sites, now in a state of archaeological ruin, which need to be properly interpreted, preserved and enhanced with a view to passing them on to future times.
In this perspective, the present research is structured as a path of knowledge, designed to guide a critical reading of the remains with a view to identifying criteria, good practices and updated methodological guidelines for informed conservation and enhancement.
Starting from the origin of the buildings, through a typological and functional study of the planimetric-spatial variants, with a look at the processes of reuse and adaptation of the factories over the centuries, the thermal complex is ideally broken down into its material-constructive components, looking at the specificities inherent in the technological systems of operation. On this basis, critical issues and recurring problems affecting the state of conservation of the existing structures are identified, in close correlation with their respective environmental contexts.
Examining historical materials and techniques used between Roman times and the 20th century, the study focuses on current conservation strategies, with particular emphasis on archaeological roofing, centred on the specific case of thermal ruins. This is examined through a comparative analysis of significant case studies, in order to understand operational approaches, positive contributions and factors affecting the role of protection, as well as design actions aimed at interpreting and presenting ancient evidence. The analysis is completed with a necessary reflection on the use of technological solutions and innovative tools, intended as resources to support the enjoyment and understanding of the remains, aimed at adding value to the asset. Each nuance investigated in this broad spectrum of research is addressed in a specific case study in Sardinia, framed by a territorial reading of the dense network of remains scattered across the island: the Central Baths of the archaeological area of Colonia Iulia di Turris Libisonis, better known as “Palazzo Re Barbaro”.