This article explores the relationships between knowledge and design, drawing from the experiences of the first seminar of the Dot.AT.i group - PhD students and holders in the scientific disciplinary sector of Architectural Engineering. The reflection focuses on the role of Heritage as an expression of enduring construction principles. It reaffirms the contemporary relevance of Heritage studies, understood not only in a conservative perspective but also as a dynamic element within ongoing transformations that testify to its internal dynamism. The papers submitted for the seminar can be categorized into two main interpretative macro-categories: morpho-typological characteristics and constructive features of historical architectures. The attempt to frame the contributions within these categories aims to define thematic areas of reference, which have reciprocal hybridizations. The contributions explore the study and analysis of construction techniques and historical architectures, as well as methodologies for recovery and valorization, combining qualitative and quantitative assessment tools. The research under examination reveals a new centrality of Heritage with respect to three specific actions: understanding long-term operational logics, reinterpreting generative principles, and finally, reinterpreting and renewing the relationships it generates. The concept of Heritage is also extended to include works by major post-war authors. In this case too, knowledge can serve as a tool for interpretation and guidance for subsequent actions. Ultimately, the works demonstrate how, in the context of today's complex reality, tradition and long-term phenomena can still constitute valid references with respect to the themes of sustainability and resilience.