CLIMATE RISK ASSESSMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE

Course objectives

A - Knowledge and understanding OF 1) To define and describe the fundamental climate variables in the field of the preventive conservation of cultural heritage OF 2) To acquire knowledge on climate-induced degradation risks OF 3) To acquire knowledge on international regulations concerning climate-induced risks B - Application skills OF 4) To be able to apply methodological and instrumental procedures OF 5) To be able to apply simplified functions OF 6) To be able to apply international regulations on climate-induced risks C - Autonomy of judgment OF 7) To be able to interpret experimental and modelled data OF 8) To be able to apply a scientific approach to conservation OF 9) To be able to identify climate-induced degradation risks OF 10) To transfer scientific outcomes to the application of international regulations D - Communication skills OF 10) To know how to communicate scientific results OF 11) To communicate the outputs of the analysis/study in clear way to the stakeholders keeping the scientific credibility E - Ability to learn OF 12) Have the ability to consult scientific literature to improve some of the topics covered during the course

Channel 1
FRANCESCA FRASCA Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
The course is structured in three modules. Module n.1: Review of the key microclimate variables (e.g., air temperature, relative humidity, mixing ratio of moist air, dew point temperature). Review of the basic and advanced instruments for microclimate monitoring (e.g., thermo-hygrometers, moisture content meter, thermographic camera). Relationship between microclimate variables and degradation of materials making up cultural heritage. Definition of climate-induced degradation for different materials. European and international regulations. Module n.2: Application of standardised procedures. Application of simplified functions for the hygrothermal modelling. Application of dose-response and damage functions for climate risk assessment. Climate change and its impact on artworks preserved in indoor environments. Module n.3: Identification of specific climate-induced degradation risks in different conservation spaces. Plan and design of a microclimate monitoring.
Prerequisites
Key competences in math and physics (at least basic knowledge in thermodynamics). It is highly recommended, for the students of the Master's Degree in “Science and Technology for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage”, to have attended the following course “Laboratorio di Fisica per Analisi Microclimatiche” (second semester first year).
Books
Microclimate for Cultural Heritage - Measurement, Risk Assessment, Conservation, Restoration, and Maintenance of Indoor and Outdoor Monuments. 3rd edition. Dario Camuffo. Elsevier, 2019. Teaching and didactic materials provided via E-learning platform.
Frequency
Attendance is not compulsory but advisable.
Exam mode
Oral exam. The student should be able to be confident on international regulations concerning climate-induced risks and their application, advanced instruments, applications of dose-response and damage functions. During the course, mid-term self-assessments will be used to measure student understanding.
Lesson mode
In classroom (both traditional and flipped classroom).
  • Lesson code10600287
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseScience and Technology for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage
  • CurriculumScience and Technology for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage - in lingua inglese
  • Year2nd year
  • Semester1st semester
  • SSDFIS/06
  • CFU6