Research

Restoration techniques and methodologies in Spain and Mexico, restoration of archeological areas using the same material, specifically in the Mediterranean and Mesoamerican regions, preservation in the modern buildings of Catalan architect Josep Lluis Sert in three different contexts: Spain, United States & Canada. Evolution of construction techniques in vernacular architecture, modern architectural icons, adaptive reuse of historical buildings, evolution of materials, durability studies of the design and construction of historic buildings. Seismic Restoration; the uses, effects and preservation of reinforced concrete in modern and antique buildings; and the use of concrete as the architectural language of the twentieth century.

Application

Traditional building technologies for new uses in architecture, especially in heritage buildings. Development and uses of reinforced concrete during the modern era to identify building technology, language-innovation, signs of deterioration and their repair. 

Activities

• Member of Scientific Committee of the Latin American Congress of Historical Construction
• Member of ICOMOS Canada Scientific Committee
  • Documentation Conservation Modern Movement
  • Society of Architectural Historians

Journal Articles

Chapters in Books:

De Sivo, Benito; Díaz, Cesar (2001) “Il Vasto a Napoli y el Ensanche de Barcelona, due realita a confronto”. Cunha, Paolo., Esponda, Mariana in “Schede di rilevamento dell’isolato n.1″ (Uplifting of the square no. 1) and “Schede di rilevamento degli edifici degli isolati n.1 e 2″. (Uplifting of the building no. 1&2)., CITTAM.  Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II. pg. 113-146 and 331-358.

Papers in refereed Journals:

Esponda, Mariana. (2008) “Formigo armat per restaurar”  Valoració de l’us del formigó en la Restauració en edificis històrics a l’Europa del segle XX  (Assessment of the use of concrete in Restoration of  historical buildings in Europe 20 th century”. In Col.legi d’Aparelladors i Arquitectes Tècnics de Barcelona. L’Informatiu No. 302, pg. 56-59. May 2008.

Esponda, Mariana. (2007) “Rehabilitation of the “Sant Pere de Corbera” Church, Cataluña. Col.legi d’Aparelladors i Arquitectes Tècnics de Barcelona. L’Informatiu. No.  291, pg. 42-44. July 2007

Papers in Refereed Conference Proceedings

Esponda, Mariana; Caralt, David. “Transformation of uses in the Monastery of Montserrat, Cataluña”. International Conference “Religious Houses: A Legacy” 7-11 October 2009, Montreal.

Esponda, Mariana. “Vaults Restoration in the Apse of Sant Pere de Corbera Church, Cataluña. First Latin American Congress of Historical Construction. Bucaramanga, Colombia. University Industrial de Santander.  30-31July and August 1^st, 2008.

Esponda, Mariana. “Recent History: The Breakthrough of Concrete in Restoration during the 20th century”.  College of Architect of Barcelona, Spain. 14-17 Dec 2005.