La ruine : objet poétique ou défi patrimonial – SIPPA

In our Western world—and undoubtedly beyond—ruins are inextricably linked to the very invention of the concept of tangible cultural heritage. As both a remnant—and thus a tangible testament to the activity of human societies or bygone eras—it raises questions not only about the inevitable effects of time but also about the means to combat them, if not to halt them altogether. While the melancholy of a Chateaubriand standing before the ruins of Rome seems to stand in contrast to the restoration-driven zeal of a Viollet-le-Duc, we know full well that in the nineteenth century these were merely two sides of the same coin.
For its eleventh edition—and as a continuation of last year’s event dedicated to the issue of restoration—SIPPA has therefore chosen to address a topic that is far more relevant today than it might seem at first glance: that of ruins; following an opening address by Alain Schnapp, the four half-day sessions will offer—through the interdisciplinary approaches characteristic of our conferences—a discussion of theory and practice as well as conservation and creation; above all, this is an opportunity for professionals from a wide range of fields to share their expertise and commitment, both in France and far beyond our borders.
Organized by the Culture and Heritage Division