International Summer School on Historic Masonry Structures – HIMASS
HIMASS – International Summer School on Historic Masonry Structures – was conceived in 2018 by Roma Tre University, the Polytechnic University of Madrid and the University of Salerno. The programme focuses on the structural behaviour of historic masonry buildings and on recovering knowledge of traditional construction principles that receive little attention in contemporary engineering education.
The school runs annually for two intensive weeks. Since its establishment, seven editions have been organised, training around 150 participants from more than 20 countries. Each edition studies four protected historic buildings, including churches, bell towers and complex vaulted structures. In total, 28 monuments have been documented and analysed within the framework of the programme.
The teaching approach combines lectures, seminars and extensive fieldwork. Participants begin with historical research and architectural analysis of the selected buildings. Digital survey techniques record the geometry of the structures with precision. Structural assessment follows, with close attention to the geometry of vaults and the way forces are transmitted through masonry structures. The programme emphasises understanding of how historic buildings actually stand and carry loads, rather than relying only on abstract computer models.
Each year, 20–25 participants work in small groups of 5–6 persons, allowing close interaction with professors and invited lecturers from Europe and beyond. Tutors support the fieldwork and guide the preparation of final presentations. The programme creates a space for students, academics and practitioners from different countries to establish lasting professional networks.
The case studies involve real monuments, and participants address specific conservation challenges on site. Work carried out during the summer school contributes to the broader understanding of each building’s structural condition. Findings are presented at the end of the programme and have resulted in peer-reviewed publications, including two dedicated issues of Structural Magazine in 2022 and 2023.
HIMASS has been hosted in different historic settings in Italy, including Subiaco (2018), Anagni (2019-2022), and Oristano (2025). The 2023 and 2024 editions were held in Spain, in the historic centre of Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each year new buildings are selected, so the programme develops new case studies rather than repeating previous ones.
Annual costs range between €36,000 and €64,000 and are covered through participant fees and contributions from the partner universities.
The Awards’ Jury remarked: “This is a highly conceptual programme with a strong academic basis, providing engineers and architects with tools to preserve and consolidate historic masonry buildings. HIMASS addresses the key issue of understanding ancient masonry design based on geometry rather than mechanics. The programme creates an international community of experts and learners engaged in conceptual thinking about structural restoration.”
Contact: Gianmarco de Felice | Roma Tre University | defelice@uniroma3.it | www.himass.org