Join senior Willowbank staff and 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.

The 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.

The Field School will focus on the village of Ghesc, on the outskirts of Domodossola. It was built in the 15th century but was abandoned more than 50 years ago. The revitalization of Ghesc is the latest project undertaken by the Canova Association with its local partners. This village, with its unusual stone buildings including stone-tiled roofs and remains of beautiful medieval frescoes, will be your laboratory for 15 days as you acquire documentation skills, study design options, and implement the partial rebuilding of one of the stone structures. "Field trips, case studies, and participation as guests in the 2012 Canova International Architect Encounter will augment your 3 week stay."

To learn more visit - willowbank.ca or contact Shelley Huson at 905-262-1239 x 23 or school@willowbank.ca