Join Canadian conservation architect Julian Smith and his Italian conservation colleagues for a rare educational opportunity. The Willowbank Canova Field School program involves documenting and revitalizing an abandoned medieval stone village near Milan. The structure of the field school reflects Willowbanks emphasis on combining theory and practice. Participants will be engaged in philosophical and technical debates as well as the hard but satisfying work of rebuilding beautiful stone and wood medieval structures.

For more than 30 years, Julian has been a leader in efforts to ensure the conservation of Canadas historic places. He has established a national and international reputation for his work in the conservation, restoration and adaptive reuse of historic properties. He is noted for his sensitive designs for contemporary insertions in historic settings, and for the development of master plans, urban design studies and heritage district plans for significant urban and rural places. His Italian colleagues have been breathing new life into decaying medieval villages in the Domodossola area of northern Italy, in the foothills of the Alps. The Canova Association brings together local and international participants to share experiences and stimulate local investment in conservation and adaptive reuse. It also hosts an annual Canova International Architect Encounter, an intimate international forum with participants from around the globe. They gather in the beautiful Canova setting to discuss and debate best practices in conservation, sustainability, and revitalization.

2010 Canova International Architect Encounter

Highly respected Gustavo Araoz, AIA, President of the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) will be participating in the 2010 Canova Encounter.

Born in Cuba, Mr. Araoz is a preservation architect by training. His career combines professional practice, academia, and institutional management. He has served as Executive Director of the United States Committee of ICOMOS since 1995. Since 2002, he has served as International Vice President of ICOMOS, spearheading organizational reforms and advocating greater engagement of ICOMOS members worldwide. He has taught at several universities in the US, including the University of Pennsylvania. He has been visiting professor at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, the Catholic University of Salta in Argentina, and at CICOP in Tenerife and Buenos Aires.

Participants in the Willowbank Canova Italy field school will have a rare opportunity to spend 2 days at the Encounter.


Field School Program

Field Documentation and Design Analysis (five days)

Canova Encounter (two days)

Stone Building Restoration (nine days)

Case Studies (two days)

Field Trips (three days)



For more information about the Field School Program visit: willowbank.ca