Thesis title: Origine, sviluppi e conservazione delle chiese gesuitiche in ambito latinoamericano e italiano: una lettura comparata
The research focuses on the comparative analysis of the architectural, constructional, and conservation characteristics of Jesuit churches in Latin America. This is achieved through a swift examination of 55 cases and an in-depth synchronic and diachronic study of five South American variants of the Church of the Santissimo Nome di Gesù in Rome. This historical-critical study also aims to explore the outcomes of the complex process of design and large-scale construction undertaken by the Society of Jesus on the American continent, in relation to the rigorous design evaluation system centralised in Rome and the functional and operational conventions defined by the ancient Society as “modo nostro”. Such an approach allows for the identification of the links and specificities of Latin American Jesuit architecture in relation to its European counterpart, with particular emphasis on Italian and Iberian traditions. The study places particular emphasis on the assessment of the current condition of the Jesuit churches, addressing structural, conservation, adaptation, and usage issues. It also explores phenomena of abandonment, semi-abandonment, decommissioning, and adaptation to new functions, with specific reference to the Ibero-American and Italian contexts. The research culminates in a reflection on the historical, architectural, technical-constructional, functional, and conservation aspects of the churches examined, offering recommendations to promote their conservation and safeguarding over time.