The platform, as originally conceptualised byProf. Dr. Stephan Schmidt-WulffenandDr. Waltraud Kofler Engl, is based on a conception of culture as collective production. Theories of sociology, anthropology and cultural studies serve as the basis for developing a praxeological concept of culture. A central aspect is that research and intervention can no longer be separated: the practice of the platform itself participates in the negotiation of cultural processes and addresses the challenges of the participatory approach. The platform’s research projects focus on practices and communities of practice, exploring regional cultural heritage in practices and letting alternative narratives and strategies emerge. Scientific methods are always accompanied by interventions in specific situations, where the skills of researchers, docents and students from the Faculty of Design and Art are used. The platform’s method is therefore characterized by a specific cooperation between theory and practice that combines research and intervention, allowing theoretical reflections to be rooted in practice.
Applied research and teaching
The methodological approach that links the cultural heritage, cultural production and craft traditions of the region is integrated into the university teaching of the Faculty of Design and Art and into the General Studium. In the design of cultural products and practices, theoretical and practical knowledge of the historical material heritage and regional craft traditions can increase the potential for contemporary development and bring traditional craft techniques into a new context by applying their principles to modern and contemporary materials. The platform offers scientific support (basic research, conferences, field research, etc.) to stakeholders, associations, schools and others groups that work on local and regional cultural heritage projects. In addition, teachers and students of the Faculty of Design and Art will be involved in concrete projects on cultural heritage, networking the university, the territory and local communities.
Bunker of the Vallo Alpino of the Sesto Dolomites. Photo by Waltraud Kofler Engl
Archaeological excavations of war structures of the First World War in the Carnic Ridge (A). Photo by Waltraud Kofler Engl
Fane Alpine Village, Vals/Valles, Mühlbach/Rio di Pusteria
Bunker of the Vallo Alpino of the Sesto Dolomites. Photo by Waltraud Kofler Engl
Archaeological excavations of war structures of the First World War in the Carnic Ridge (A). Photo by Waltraud Kofler Engl
Fane Alpine Village, Vals/Valles, Mühlbach/Rio di Pusteria
Cultural Heritage Charters
For the users of our site, we are making available some of the main official documents that have, for nearly a century, constituted the reference guidelines for the restoration, conservation, protection, and valorization of cultural heritage in the broadest sense. By clicking on each link, you will be taken directly to the full texts of the listed Heritage Charters. Paging through these documents – from the historical to the most recent ones – will provide build an overview of the constant evolution of the concept of cultural heritage and the tools for its management.
