STRATIGRAPHIC UNITS INSIDE HERITAGE BUILDING INFORMATION MODEL: A NOVEL APPROACH FOR THE REPRESENTATION OF BUILDING ARCHAEOLOGY

The paper discusses the representation of Stratigraphic Units (SUs) and the communication of Building Archaeology analysis in three dimensions within the context of Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM). The author propose a methodological approach to incorporate 2D Building Archaeology analysis into the HBIM environment, aiming to support experts involved in research and restoration phases. Moving from 2D to 3D graphics in Building Archaeology introduces challenges in describing the third dimension of SUs, particularly regarding thickness and the relationship between different wall layers. In conclusion, the paper suggests the creation of a new category of HBIM called Building Archaeology Informative Modelling (BAIM), which aims to address the specific requirements of representing Building Archaeology in three dimensions

The vaulted system of the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio in Milan: A cross-feature in the Basilica's life. Restoration and interpretation

The study of the construction of an historical building always includes several grades of complexity depending on the available sources and their accuracy, and on the interpretation of accessible information. This essay offers a novel integrated approach to the study of the construction history of the roof system of one of the greatest monuments in Milan: the Basilica of S. Ambrogio. Different types of vault are analyzed, using historical drawings and photos, archival documentation, geometrical and laser scanning surveys, aiming at narrating the construction history of the vaulted system of the church, which can be integrated with future studies and analysis. 3D models help the realization of hypotheses that are based on the existing literature, historical drawings and interpretations

A N-D VIRTUAL NOTEBOOK ABOUT THE BASILICA OF S. AMBROGIO IN MILAN: INFORMATION MODELING FOR THE COMMUNICATION OF HISTORICAL PHASES SUBTRACTION PROCESS

This essay describes the combination of 3D solutions and software techniques with traditional studies and researches in order to achieve an integrated digital documentation between performed surveys, collected data, and historical research. The approach of this study is based on the comparison of survey data with historical research, and interpretations deduced from a data cross-check between the two mentioned sources. The case study is the Basilica of S. Ambrogio in Milan, one of the greatest monuments in the city, a pillar of the Christianity and of the History of Architecture. It is characterized by a complex stratification of phases of restoration and transformation. Rediscovering the great richness of the traditional architectural notebook, which collected surveys and data, this research aims to realize a virtual notebook, based on a 3D model that supports the dissemination of the collected information. It can potentially be understandable and accessible by anyone through the development of a mobile app. The 3D model was used to explore the different historical phases, starting from the recent layers to the oldest ones, through a virtual subtraction process, following the methods of Archaeology of Architecture. Its components can be imported into parametric software and recognized both in their morphological and typological aspects. It is based on the concept of LoD and ReverseLoD in order to fit the accuracy required by each step of the research

Diachronic and Synchronic Analysis for Knowledge Creation: Architectural Representation Geared to XR Building Archaeology (Claudius-Anio Novus Aqueduct in Tor Fiscale, the Appia Antica Archaeological Park)

This study summarises research progress to identify appropriate quality methodologies for representing, interpreting, and modelling complex contexts such as the Claudian Aqueduct in the Appian Way Archaeological Park. The goal is to intrinsically integrate (embed) geometric survey (Laser scanning and photogrammetric) with the materials and construction techniques (Stratigraphic Units-SU), semantic models in order to support the design with a better understanding of the artefact considered, and also to give indications that can be implemented in the future in a continuous cognitive process. Volume stratigraphic units in the form of architectural drawings, heritage building information modelling (HBIM) and extended reality (XR) environments have been oriented to comparative analyses based on the research case study's complex morphology. Analysis of geometries' intersection, construction techniques and materials open up new cognitive scenarios, self-feeding a progressive knowledge and making different studies correlatable, avoiding diaspora or incommunicability. Finally, an extended reality (XR) platform aims to enhance tangible and intangible values through new human-computer interaction and information sharing levels

A CONTENT-BASED IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE OF BASILICA OF SANT'AMBROGIO IN MILAN: FROM 3D SURVEY TO VIRTUAL REALITY

One of the challenges of the Digital Cultural Heritage (DCH) field is the creation of coherent HBIMs and the dissemination of the collected historical data. The latest development of new technologies has the great potential to realise virtual content-based immersive experiences that are easily available by both experts and non-expert users. On the other hand, they require specific skills and a holistic approach to the study of the building that involves different disciplines.The research that has been carried out for the last five years on one of the greatest monuments in Milan, the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio, adopted this comprehensive methodology. Although the church is a very well-known building, its turbulent history remains in a certain aspect hidden to the large public. This paper shows the workflow that has been developed for the Basilica, starting from the 3D survey to the historical data acquisition and the study on the church itself, based on a ‘virtual subtraction process’, till the creation of a Virtual Reality experience. This one is the first step of a wider project on eXtended reality (Virtual/Mixed/Augmented Reality) that intends to make the gathered knowledge of the Basilica available to the public.</p

Immersive Appian Way health infrastructure: human centric Digital Twin (The PAAA Archeological Park of the Appian Way 12km State-Own Section, Unesco Candidature)

From Rome to Benevento, the Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) was born as a military road, 'Regina Viarum'. In 312 b.C., consul Appio Claudio extended the infrastructure for 132 miles to Capua. Many transformations and integration occurred across the centuries, resulting in a unique multi-stratified world heritage (landscape, architecture, archaeological remains and tombs along the military way). In the 19th century, Luigi Canina conceived the Appian Way as an outdoor museum, realizing a first state-own section along the 12km here surveyed and described. This year, the Ministry of Culture (MIC) has launched the UNESCO nomination for the road. The article discusses aspects of the mass digitization undertaken by the Parco Archeologico dell'Appia Antica (PAAA, the Archaeological Park of the Appian Way). The aim is to build a Digital Twin of the infrastructure supporting knowledge enhancement, preservation, design, communication and fruition. A virtual space where digital technologies and eXtended Reality are the digital arms of the contemporary Vitruvian humanistic mission and vision of the PAAA Appian Way as a source of wealth and healthiness for all the users and visitors

REPRESENTING INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF HUMANITY: FROM THE DEEP ABYSS OF THE PAST TO DIGITAL TWIN AND XR OF THE NEANDERTHAL MAN AND LAMALUNGA CAVE (ALTAMURA, APULIA)

The Altamura Man and the paleontological remains are situated within a complex context encompassing logistical, geological, paleoenvironmental, and cultural perspectives. This context is exceptionally well-preserved but also fragile, requiring its preservation due to its unique nature. Unresolved inquiries exist in various disciplines, such as archaeology, biocultural studies, ecology, and geology, pertaining to karst formation, taphonomic dynamics, and the cultural and ecological context of the Neanderthal individual found in the cave. Interdisciplinary research was necessary to address these complex questions and understand the broader context of the Lamalunga Cave. Climate change also necessitated attention to preserving the cave’s microclimate and monitoring potential biodegradation. Digital technologies, including photogrammetry and laser scanning, were crucial for monitoring and safeguarding the cave’s cultural heritage. Digital representation, 3D modelling and Digital Twin were essential for managing the cave’s intricacies, analysing its values, and enhancing visual communication. The management of the Lamalunga cave aimed to promote scientific interpretation, safeguard the cave, and provide tools for understanding, storytelling, and further investigation. It was essential to utilise available methodologies and technologies while avoiding destructive interventions. Contemporary technologies have revolutionised the archaeological and paleoanthropological domains, enabling remote study and preservation. Protecting and comprehending the cultural heritage of the cave is linked to its usability, which can be enhanced through digital documentation methodologies to inform visitors about the karst context and promote social and economic development

A LAYERED-WEB INTERFACE BASED ON HBIM AND 360&deg; PANORAMAS FOR HISTORICAL, MATERIAL AND GEOMETRIC ANALYSIS

The latest information technology developments in the field of digital heritage (DH) have enabled the creation of novel virtual experiences favouring information-sharing connected to the 3D digital reconstruction of historical and existing buildings. In recent years, Building Information Modelling for historic buildings (HBIM) projects are the most applied methods to transmit the richness of built heritage from both the geometrical and informative points of view, but they are not always adequate to ensure a simple reading of different type of information for not-expert users. For this reason, further investigations were performed, following a novel SCAN-to-BIM process based on novel Grades of Generation (GOG 9 and 10) in order to digitally represent one of the most complex structure of the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio in Milan. It is composed of arches supported by pillars, characterised by a double-wave curve, both on its vertical and horizontal axis. The information coming from the previous studies, such as historical documentation, as-found drawings, building archaeology analysis (materials and brick surface texture) and decay data (crack patterns, material discontinuity), was integrated with a novel webimmersive solution able to display 360&deg; pictures, video and HBIM simultaneously. A detailed comparison of the 360 multimedia data of the current arrangement with the one of the HBIM historical phases allow experts and not-experts to analyse the transformation of the arch structures in a new immersive environment with different devices such as laptops, mobile phones and latest virtual and augmented reality (VR-AR) headset