METHODOLOGY OF THE STAIRCASE SURVEY

Team members performing surveying work on the Scala d'Acqua. (Upenn 2002)

Study of the Scala d'Acqua ('Scala') was undertaken to determine an approach to its conservation. The initial steps taken by the group were focused on understanding its form and siting within the Orto. The team completed rough field sketches of the Scala and the adjoining Nicchione. This information was entered into AutoCAD 2002 to create plan, elevational and sectional drawings to begin recording existing conditions of the Scala and Nicchione.

The plan and elevations were broken into the following fifteen sections for ease in the identification and recording of conditions:

1. Stair One

2. Landing One

3. Stair Two

4. Landing Two

5-6. North and South Retaining Walls

7-8. North and South Terrace

9.10 North and South Fountain Stair

11-12. Fountain Basin

13. Cleared Area

14. Modern Stair

15. Nicchione

Click to view stairmap legend

Masonry deterioration was mapped in plan and elevation using a glossary created specifically for this project. Representative sections were documented by means of rectified photography. Using the completed photo-mosaic created using digital photographs, conditions were recorded on the north retaining wall, Stair One, and a portion of the Nicchione. Samples were also taken from the site and analyzed at the ICCROM laboratory under the guidance of Ernesto Borelli.

Archival research of maps, photographs, and literature was pursued to record historical changes in the Scala d'Acqua area of the garden. Lectures on topics including cultural landscapes, archaeology, engineering of fountains, and the examination of other Italian garden architecture were also helpful sources of information. A brief archaeological investigation led by archaeologist Stefano Coccia at the site uncovered evidence of previous structures at the Scala, and possible original Fuga design elements.

Utilizing all the available collection of data, the team provided proposals to the Orto Botanico and La Sapienza for immediate and long-term conservation and maintenance.