PostDoc Position: Lombard Romanesque Architecture Revisited

The ETH chair of Building Archaeology and Construction History at the Department of Architecture applies the methods of building archaeology (historische Bauforschung, archeologia dell'elevato) to document, analyze and understand the history of important heritage buildings, their building phases, transformations, extensions and restorations, as well as the technical aspects of material and construction, and to reconstruct historic building processes. While our approach is fully in line with traditional surveying and documentation methods, we strive to draw additional high benefit from state-of-the-art digital methods.

We have several ongoing projects investigating various topics of mediaeval architecture, including the monographical study of a major gothic cathedral in France, a survey of mediaeval bridges, and  a project on the development of the art of vaulting 1000-1300. In the recent past, we have also carried out several projects in the history of brick construction, notably, a survey of 19th century brick buildings in Zurich, and a major research project on the Basilica Sant'Antonio, Padua. For all these projects, Northern Italy with its long-standing history of brick construction is an important point of reference. However, most of the monuments of the so-called Lombard Romanesque Architecture have not been studied in-depth with state-of-the-art digital approaches so far, and for some, outdated early 20th century publications still serve as key references. We would like to design and execute a project for a post-doctoral researcher, revisiting the most important monuments of the Lombard Romanesque, particularly with a focus on brick construction ranging from Santa Maria Maggiore in Lomello to Chiaravalle Milanese, to mention just two pivotal examples (11th-13th centuries).

You design a research plan for studying the pivotal monuments of the romanesque architecture of Northern Italy, notably, the brick architecture. Based on an extensive literature survey, you select the most interesting monuments, get into contact with owners and state officials for access permits, and perform on-site surveys, mostly based on SfM (structure from motion) photogrammetry, supplemented by laser scanning where necessary. You import the digital surveys into suitable software for image segmentation for single-stone recognition, generating high-resolution orthophotos, serving as a basis for statistical evaluations of stone formats, brick bonds, and the like. Where applicable, you also perform geometrical analysis of vault geometries and traces of formwork. You interact with our other researchers in related projects, prepare conference contributions and at least one journal paper per year. Besides, you also take on certain everyday responsibilities in the group, including student tutoring and seminars. You will organize at least one full-week excursion for students and PhD students to visit the most interesting objects on site.

• You are holding a university master's diploma in art history or architecture, or a closely related field
• You have recently finished your PhD thesis on a topic of mediaeval art history, preferably architectural history, in a renowned university
• You have some experience in building archaeology and high competence in Italian mediaeval architectural history
• Your proficiency in English and Italian languages is excellent (C1 or C2 levels)
• You have recently published internationally in peer-reviewed journals, or contributed to peer-reviewed conferences
• You are willing to move to the greater Zurich area for 12-24 months, and organize yourself here
• You are able and willing to learn more about digital state-of-the-art methods quickly, preferably based on some previous experience, e.g., in using CAD software or a little programming

We offer you the opportunity to integrate into one of the most renowned research groups in the fields of building archaeology and construction history. You will have the possibility to work with newest technical equipment and software. Our group is based on collaborative research, so you will exchange your experience with other team members, and share your own expertise with the team. You will organize your field-trips in an independent manner, but with constant support from the institute. You will have the possibility to co-edit a monograph on your findings, and to contribute substantially to it. You will extend your professional network and improve your academic profile by inviting high-rank guests and participating in national and international meetings and conferences.