Frederick the Architect

                    Many small remote churches have lost most of their architectural character but remain picturesque ruins.  Others are being carefully restored for future generations.         

   A complex                
    A barn

 
     Two Barns

Churches large and small were historically scattered across the countryside.  Some are in various stages of ruin while others have been restored.  Many are very beautiful.

 Demolition by neglect
Vernacular buildings were normally well constructed and of sound materials but become increasingly fragile if not cared for over extended periods of time.  
  This casa colonica was beginning to deteriorate because the clay mortar binding the stones was rapidly being eroded.  In a few more years the walls would have become unstable and fallen.  I chose to [...]

Small rural parish churches ( le pievi ) are also fragile vernacular structures.  A few remain in periodic use………… 
 
                    ……others remain vacant and slowly deteriorate.

The documentation and preservation of vernacular architecture has been a focus of my career as an Architect.  My practice in New England included both the restortion of high style buildings and the adaptation of more utilitarian structures for new uses.  This interest has now been transfered to Italy and initially the region of Le Marche where I have recently [...]