Between engineering and architecture in the conservation process of historical buildings

The relations between engineering and architecture, as two independent and separated fields, are considered to be complex and challenging, in practice and in the academy. The separation between engineering and architecture, as two different disciplines, and the distinction between the engineer and the architect, as different professions, is an outcome of a process that occurred in the last centuries. Indeed, this specialization process created a lot of benefits and advantages. But on the other hand it also generated some disadvantages. This issue becomes much more crucial especially when dealing with historical buildings. In this situation there is a great necessity for a better understanding of the relations between engineering and architecture in the conservation process, from a historical point of view. This paper focuses on the relations between the two fields along history and their connection to conservation of historical buildings.