Chair Holzer
Building Archaeology and Construction History
The buildings themselves are the most significant historical sources for the construction historian. In order to gain insight, the object is thoroughly surveyed and its state documented diligently in a first step. On the basis of this documentation, the history of construction, damage and repair can be reconstructed and analysed in detail. Every historical monument has its specific links to a wider context of architectural and construction history. This context can be explored using archival sources and contemporary publications. With this background information, the monument can be evaluated as a testimony of the history of the building sciences and crafts.
In-depth knowledge and understanding of a monument is a prerequisite of its minimally-invasive intervention and conservation. Historical knowledge needs to be complemented by engineering and scientific methods of analysis, such as building physics, structural analysis, and chemical investigations. The chair of "Building Archaeology and Construction History" addresses all these topics which are essential for the preservation of our built cultural heritage.
Website: www.holzer.arch.ethz.ch
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefan M. Holzer
Born 1963 in Erlangen, Bavaria. 1982–1987 studies of Civil Engineering at TU München (Munich). 1992 doctorate on a topic of numerical mechanics, followed by a postdoctoral year in the USA and two years of professional practice in one of Germany’s leading construction companies at Frankfurt. 1995–2001 associate professor, University of Stuttgart, 2001–2016 full professor of Engineering Mathematics at the University of the Federal Armed Forces Munich. 2001–present increasingly involved in topics of analysis and preservation of historic monuments with particular attention to construction. Numerous national and international, interdisciplinary journal publications on these topics, as well as five monographic books since 2008. Practical activities as consulting engineer in conservation, including major monuments. Since 2016 Professor of Building Archeology and Construction History at ETH Zurich. Research focus on the architecture of the Middle Ages and the Early Modern period and the 19th century, on historical timber and masonry construction.
Federal Expert (Federal Office of Culture - BAK) for Heritage Preservation
Memberships:
- ICOMOS
- Construction History Society
- Gesellschaft für Bautechnikgeschichte (Chair 2017 - 21)
- Koldewey-Gesellschaft, Vereinigung für baugeschichtliche Forschung e.V.
- Arbeitskreis für Hausforschung e.V.
Member of the scientific boards of Construction History Journal and Aedificare.
Contact
Deputy head of Inst. Preservation and Constr. History
Bauforschung u.Konstruktionsgesch.
Wolfgang-Pauli-Str. 27
8093
Zürich
Switzerland