Knowledge tools to preserve the authenticity of architectural heritage significance

The Italian debate on preserving the authenticity of our historical architecture started more than a century ago and is still current today. The questions raised over time concern both the material and the significance authenticity. This paper will provide the different cultural positions aiming to analyze the historical debate making comparisons on how the meaning of the term authenticity has changed also in relation with the evolution of contemporary art. The paper will address some specific issues: traditional building technologies, architectural language, and the knowledge tools useful for preserving the authenticity of the significance of architectural heritage. This theoretical approach will be explained by presenting some methodological examples and at last, it will be examined how the restoration activity, the re-use of the architectural heritage and the use of traditional materials are extremely important to ensure sustainable development and to guarantee a trans-generational transfer of knowledge.