CITTA' ANTICA EDILIZIA NUOVA, 1958 | ROBERTO PANE

Ancient City, New Building (1958) by Roberto Pane is a foundational work of critical restoration theory, addressing the tension between preserving historic urban fabrics and accommodating modern construction. Drawing on the urgent challenges of mid-century Naples, Pane argues for: (1) clearly delineated historic center boundaries, (2) strict controls ensuring new buildings do not exceed existing rooflines, and (3) the protection and public ownership of green spaces within historic cores . These proposals—formulated in response to rampant post-war redevelopment—anticipate later principles in the 1964 Venice Charter. Pane’s work positions restoration as an ethically-driven urban strategy, championing continuity between generations and arguing for a nuanced balance between past heritage and present utility.