Directory

Ivan Ferrari | Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) - Academia.edu

Skip to main content

Ivan Ferrari

Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze del Patrimonio Culturale (ISPC), Faculty Member

Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), CNR- Istituto per Beni Archeologici e Monumentali, CTER

Followers

152

Following

37

Co-authors

5

Mentions

1

Public Views

Francesca Sogliani

Università della Basilicata

Valentino Vitale

Alfred Schäfer

Römisch-Germanisches Museum der Stadt Köln

Giorgio Verdiani

Università degli Studi di Firenze (University of Florence)

Alessandra Cinti

Università degli Studi di Torino

Francesco Miraglia

Università degli Studi di Salerno

Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR)

Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR)

Francisca Pulido Valente

Universidade Nova de Lisboa

Interests

Uploads

Papers by Ivan Ferrari

The fortified medieval settlement of Rocca Montis Dragonis (Mondragone, Caserta - Italy) virtually alive

in Proceedings of the 14th International Congress “Cultural Heritage and New Technologies” (Vienna 2009), Archaeology and Technologies - Applied Research, Vienna 2010, pp. 461-472.

The fortified settlement of Rocca Montis Dragonis (Caserta-Italy) is located on the top of Mount ... more The fortified settlement of Rocca Montis Dragonis (Caserta-Italy) is located on the top of Mount Petrino, between the river Liri-Garigliano to the north, and the river Volturno to the south. From 2001 until now, archaeological investigations discovered a big part of the entire settlement, known on written sources from 12th century, which is a big size hilltop site, characterized by a complex group of structures hierarchically distributed in three different areas. The main focus of this work is to produce friendly communication tools, aimed to develop storytelling, by Virtual Reality methods, concerning the results of recent archaeological excavations, and in particular those aspects from which generates the phenomenon of “incastellamento”. The methodology used in this research runs from detailed observations of the artefacts evidence and from the study of low scale settlement dynamics, to the general interpretations concerning the architecture of the Rocca Montis Dragonis and the social and economic aspects referred to the building opera. On what concerns these aspects we could define this method an “inductive” one, from which originates every scientific result. The main targets of this paper have been the use of the huge archive deriving from the archaeological activities, interesting one of the most important medieval castle of northern Campania (Italy), to reconstruct with new technologies the original shape and the life of this settlement. Moreover the application of 3D virtual technology is aimed to the best promotion, knowledge, protection and conservation of this particular item of cultural medieval heritage.

The fortified medieval settlement of Rocca Montis Dragonis

The fortified settlement of Rocca Montis Dragonis (Caserta-Italy) is located on the top of Mount ... more The fortified settlement of Rocca Montis Dragonis (Caserta-Italy) is located on the top of Mount Petrino, between the river Liri-Garigliano to the north, and the river Volturno to the south. From 2001 until now, archaeological investigations discovered a big part of the entire settlement, known on written sources from 12th century, which is a big size hilltop site, characterized by a complex group of structures hierarchically distributed in three different areas. The main focus of this work is to produce friendly communication tools, aimed to develop storytelling, by Virtual Reality methods, concerning the results of recent archaeological excavations, and in particular those aspects from which generates the phenomenon of "incastellamento". The methodology used in this research runs from detailed observations of the artefacts evidence and from the study of low scale settlement dynamics, to the general interpretations concerning the architecture of the Rocca Montis Dragonis and the social and economic aspects referred to the building opera. On what concerns these aspects we could define this method an "inductive" one, from which originates every scientific result. The main targets of this paper have been the use of the huge archive deriving from the archaeological activities, interesting one of the most important medieval castle of northern Campania (Italy), to reconstruct with new technologies the original shape and the life of this settlement. Moreover the application of 3D virtual technology is aimed to the best promotion, knowledge, protection and conservation of this particular item of cultural medieval heritage.

Development of virtual environments for the museum communication

in Proceedings of the 6th International Congress “Science and Technology for the Safeguard of Cultural Heritage in the Mediterranean Basin” (22nd-25th October 2013, Athens, Greece), vol. III, Roma 2014, pp. 41-49

Despite the large number of monumental tombs discovered over the years in Taranto, only a few amo... more Despite the large number of monumental tombs discovered over the years in Taranto, only a few among them are open to the public for in situ visits. Actually, in most cases the visit is precluded because the sites are placed below private buildings or urban roads. However, as often happens, they are affected, for various reasons, by another inevitable trouble: the artefacts preserved inside them until the discover, have been subsequently brought into some museums whereas the monumental structures have been restored, in most cases with provisional works, in order to prevent their collapse. The consequence of this moving, is the de-contextualization of the grave goods and the lack of valorisation of monumental archaeological contexts. An effective solution for these issues could be achieved from the use of technologies that allow a virtual enjoyment of these monuments and the virtual set-up of the grave goods in their original contexts. Based on these premises, thanks to the project CNR-IBAM "Marta Racconta. Storie Virtuali di Tesori Nascosti", co-financed by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Puglia, the National ARchaeological Museum of TAranto (MARTA) will be soon equipped with the installation of a Virtual Platform. This will make 'accessible' ancient monuments from the Greek Taras (the ancient Taranto) currently closed to visitors. In particular, three very interesting monuments have been identified in close cooperation with the Superintendent and with the direction of the Museum of Taranto. The first one is the so-called Tomb of the Festoons, that was found in Via Crispi at the beginning of the last century. At present, it is placed inside a private apartment under the ground floor of a building. The second one, called the Hypogeum of the Gorgons, was discovered some years ago in Via Otranto, but it is now placed below a road pavement. The archaeological and archaeometric studies carried out on these monuments made it possible to develop a wide path of knowledge ranging from funerary rituals to construction techniques.

'Siracusa 3d reborn': An ancient Greek city brought back to life

in Proceedings of the 6th International Congress “Science and Technology for the Safeguard of Cultural Heritage in the Mediterranean Basin” (22nd-25th October 2013, Athens, Greece), vol. III, Roma 2014, pp. 220-227

This paper elucidates a virtual archacology project, undertaken by a team of scholars or the IBAM... more This paper elucidates a virtual archacology project, undertaken by a team of scholars or the IBAM-CNR and The Arcadia University - TCGS, aimed to the digital reconstruction of Ortigia, the core district of the Greek Syracuse. The main goal of this exercise has been the production of the 3D documcntary 'Siracusa 3D reborn', that represents an original advance in the knowledge of the Greek background of the city. In this perspective, we have chosen to produce 'passive' tools embedded with communicational and emotional components did not affected the scientific accuracy with which the reconstructive process has been carried out. Therefore, the visitor can learn those peculiar architectural and urban features of the Greek city, without disregarding those characters who played 'key roles' in the diffusion of Greek culture in the Mediterranean. Main monuments of Ortigia are described and analyzed in the context of a full 3D stercoscopic representation employing techniques of modern cinema industry for explaining its historical and archaeological characteristics. Emphasis is also given to reconstruction of war machines and some unique inventions conceived by Archimedes, the most brilliant mind of Greek era. The reconstructive workflow followed a meticulous methodological plan, based on the published data and aimed to define a previously unavailable topographic profil of the city, portrayed in two main chronological phases, Archaic and Late Classical. After this initial moment of research and historical interpretation or the ancient context, a story board with an intentional didactic narrative has been arranged for recpresenting the diachronic development of urban transformations together with main events that marked the history of the city. The stereoscopic production has allowed us to develop an efficient system for the tracking or the scenes along xyz axes, the compositing or nested scenes and post effects which provides color grading, and particle effects.

La valorizzazione di contesti inaccessibili nella necropoli greca di Taranto: un modello di fruizione multimodale basato su interfacce naturali

in Arkos. Scienza, restauro, valorizzazione, 7/8, 2014, pp. 15-22

Come spesso accade, dopo la scoperta i monumenti antichi sono soggetti, per diverse ragioni, ad u... more Come spesso accade, dopo la scoperta i monumenti antichi sono soggetti, per diverse ragioni, ad un destino quasi inevitabile: gli oggetti fino ad allora in essi custoditi vengono conservati nei musei e le strutture architettoniche vengono sottoposte ad un primo restauro, spesso consistente in opere provvisionali che ne impediscano il crollo. La conseguenza di questo è una de-contestualizzazione dei corredi ed una mancata valorizzazione dei contesti monumentali. Una soluzione certamente non definitiva, ma di sicura efficacia, potrebbe essere rappresentata dall'uso di tecnologie che consentano di visitare i monumenti e ricollocare gli oggetti di corredo nei loro contesti originali. Il presente lavoro illustra il progetto "Marta Racconta. Storie Virtuali di tesori nascosti", realizzato dal CNR IBAM (Lecce, Italy) e cofinanziato dalla Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Puglia. Obiettivo principale del progetto è stato quello di dotare il Museo Nazionale Archeologico di Taranto (MARTA) di una Piattaforma di Realtà Virtuale attraverso la quale sono stati resi 'accessibili' alcuni monumenti della città antica di Taranto attualmente non visitabili. Sono stati restituiti alla fruizione tre complessi monumenti della necropoli: le Tombe Gemine di via Sardegna, L'Ipogeo dei Festoni di via Crispi e l'Ipogeo delle Gorgoni di via Otranto. Dal punto di vista tecnologico è stata sviluppata una piattaforma di fruizione Real Time 3D stereoscopica, immersiva, in cui è stato implementato un sistema di navigazione con "interfaccia naturale" dove i comandi sono eseguiti con semplici gesti delle mani. Attraverso questa tecnologia il visitatore del Museo ha la possibilità di attivare un percorso di conoscenza integrata, dai contenuti eterogenei, che permette la fruizione di dati storico-archeologici, archeometrici e spaziali in un ambiente di navigazione iper-realistico dove è possibile interagire con le strutture tridimensionali, interrogare il DataBase interno ed esplorare interattivamente gli oggetti di corredo.

La ricostruzione del soffitto ligneo del Villino Florio attraverso tecnologie 3D

in Arkos. Scienza, restauro, valorizzazione, 17/18, 2017, pp. 73-82

Questa esperienza si inquadrata nel più ampio contesto del restauro del Villino Florio a Palermo ... more Questa esperienza si inquadrata nel più ampio contesto del restauro del Villino Florio a Palermo parzialmente distrutto nel 1962 in seguito ad un incendio. Costruito per volere dalla ricca famiglia Florio dall'architetto Ernesto Basile e realizzato tra il 1899 e il 1902 è questa una delle prime opere architettoniche in stile Liberty d'Italia e viene considerato uno dei capolavori dell'Art Nouveau anche a livello europeo. Il restauro, condotto dalla Soprintendenza di Palermo ha interessato anche lo scalone monumentale, con il complesso ramage floreale che ne decorava il soffitto. La mancanza di riferimenti progettuali relativi alla sezione del ramage e di cui esiste solo una documentazione fotografica in bianco e nero, ha portato alla necessità di approfondire la problematica della sua ricostruzione seguendo metodi scientifici nuovi ed avanzati. Il modello 3D del ramage, realizzato dall'ITLab del CNR IBAM di Lecce, costituisce la base informativa necessaria alla successiva realizzazione dell'oggetto reale, eseguita con l'ausilio di macchine a controllo numerico su moduli in legno di rovere, assemblati e rifiniti così come apparivano nelle foto d'epoca. Grazie all'approccio numerico è stato possibile controllare l'intero processo di lavorazione e predisporre adeguate opere di rinforzo strutturale atte a sostenere il notevole peso del soffitto.

Mutatio Valentia: uno studio ricostruttivo aggiornato

in Thiasos 11, 2022, pp. 213-232, 2022

Il presente contributo si propone di affrontare uno studio aggiornato sulla mutatio Valentia, una... more Il presente contributo si propone di affrontare uno studio aggiornato sulla mutatio Valentia, una statio romana con balneum collocata nella Puglia meridionale a metà strada fra Brindisi e Lecce, sul prolungamento della via Traiana. Partendo dai dati di scavo editi e dall'analisi delle strutture ancora conservate, si è cercato di individuare gli elementi utili a delineare una proposta ricostruttiva più accurata, anche in base al confronto con altre simili e coeve strutture presenti nella regione e, in particolare, con il balneum di Malvindi.

Methodological Approaches and ICT Solutions for Smart Cities

in CHNT 19, 2014, pp. 101-112, 19th International Conference on Cultural Heritage and New Technologies (Vienna, 03-05/11/2014)

This paper illustrates some results obtained by the ITLab (Information Technologies Lab of IBAM C... more This paper illustrates some results obtained by the ITLab (Information Technologies Lab of IBAM CNR Institute) within two PON (National Operational Program) projects called: "DiCet" and "Siracusa Energia", both financed by national funds. These two projects pursue the objective of defining and producing innovative models, processes, and tools for the sustainable development of a smart territory by capitalizing on its cultural assets and environmental resources, to promote their tourism offer. From this standpoint, some procedures were developed to compile technical models for an efficient management of 3D and 2D resources, and to define best practices and methodical protocols for quality certification and process standardization, capable of fostering cross-sector dialogue. The sites were identified as a function of a supply-and-demand analysis with regard to a placement on the market of innovative models and services based on the creation of hyper-realistic digital models and virtual scenarios. Particular attention was given to those uses that permit greater visibility, protection, and conservation of cultural assets characterized by difficult access, vulnerability, seismic risk, hydro-geological risk, etc. In view of this, innovative models and tools were designed and developed for capitalizing on and exploiting cultural heritage, understood as an integrated and complex system conceived as a holistic model strongly based on the use of ICT technologies. Virtual enjoyment is understood here as a form of representing reality that accelerates and strengthens cognitive capacities, which is to say it becomes capable of generating extremely sensitive, "virtuous virtual" learning processes based on metaphors of the real world, and thus easy to use and understand. Operationally, our working group has made some Augmented Reality solutions available; these enable the interactive display - directly in situ and especially on mobile devices - of archaeological monuments integrated within the urban fabric. A simple solution allows the user to display an interactive 3D reconstruction directly on the real site, using the latest-generation gyroscope function. In addition to this, certain inaccessible monuments of the cities of Lecce and Siracusa have been virtualized, chiefly using image-based technologies and ultra-realistic laser scanning, to allow them to be visited remotely both via smartphone and on large virtual theatres.

CRITICAL READING OF SURVIVING STRUCTURES STARTING FROM OLD STUDIES FOR NEW RECONSTRUCTIVE PROPOSAL OF THE ROMAN THEATRE OF CATANIA

by Francesco Gabellone, Francesco Giuri, Claudia Pantellaro, Giuseppe Cacciaguerra, and Ivan Ferrari

The Graeco-Roman theatre of Catania stands in the heart of the historic centre, on the southeaste... more The Graeco-Roman theatre of Catania stands in the heart of the historic centre, on the southeastern slopes of the hill of Montevergine. The building visible today was built during the Julio-Claudian period as part of a programme that saw the rebuilding of the monument, which probably used structures and materials from the earlier Greek theatre. The work undertaken over more than fifty years, involving expropriation, demolition, excavation, and restoration, has, on the whole, made it possible to bring to light the surviving parts of the theatre, improving the comprehension of this monument, despite the fact that some sectors have been irreparably compromised. Resumen: El teatro greco-romano de Catania se encuentra en el corazón del centro histórico, en las laderas del sureste de la colina de Montevergine. visibles en la actualidad el edificio fue construido durante el período Julio-Claudia como parte de un programa que vio la reconstrucción del monumento, lo que probablemente utiliza estructuras y materiales del teatro griego anterior. El trabajo realizado durante más de cincuenta años, la participación de la expropiación, demolición, excavación y restauración, tiene, en general, hecho posible sacar a la luz las partes sobrevivientes del teatro, la mejora de la comprensión de este monumento, a pesar del hecho de que algunos sectores han sido irremediablemente comprometido.

What communication for museums? Experiences and reflections within the project for the Museo Egizio in Turin

in 20th International Conference on Cultural Heritage and New Technologies 2015 (CHNT 20, 2015), pp. 1-11, 2015

The use of cognitive metaphors for the transmission of historical and cultural content is now an ... more The use of cognitive metaphors for the transmission of historical and cultural content is now an indispensable condition in the process of revamping the forms of museum communication. In this project for setting up the new Museo Egizio in Turin, the cultural message has been entrusted to three specific filmed segments in 3D computer graphics, aimed at introducing the subjects dealt with in the rooms dedicated to queen Nefertari, the chapel of the painter Maya, and the tomb of Kha. These are archaeological settings of extraordinary importance for studying and learning about the art and culture of ancient Egypt. In these filmed segments, passive viewing is offset by an emotional approach that engages visitors in an information path where, despite the inactive mode of fruition, they are in some way participants, because they are emotionally involved. The film itself is conceived as a showcase of changeable, heterogeneous digital content, capable of offering a concise, preparatory overview of the finds present in the museum spaces. This passive and "self-explanatory" approach will allow the visitor to understand the relationships between various objects - some not directly visible - like the mummy of Kha and of his consort Merit; to reconstruct the tombs virtually in their original context; but above all, thanks to the techniques of virtual archaeology, to visit these settings as they appeared at the moment they were unearthed. All this was made possible thanks to the use of integrated technologies for rendering and representation, capable of bringing virtualization to a level of verisimilitude that can foster a hyper-realistic "participatory" vision. The high degree of realism of the virtual reconstructions, the visual effects, and the techniques of cinematographic representation add emotion to the scientific content, making a positive contribution towards the visitors "losing themselves" between the real and the virtual dimension.

The Greek-Roman Theater of Taormina: Towards a Reconstruction Proposal

in 22th International Congress "Cultural Heritage and New Technologies" - Proceedings (Vienna 08-10/11/2017), CHNT 22, 2017, pp. 1-9, 2019

This article presents some results achieved by the IBAM CNR for the reconstructive study of the G... more This article presents some results achieved by the IBAM CNR for the reconstructive study of the Greco-Roman theater of Taormina, aimed at the realization of a CG film presented at the G7 summit (26-27 May 2017). The reconstruction is currently presented to visitors on display inside one of the two basilicas at the entrance to the theater. The work was commissioned by the archaeological park of Naxos-Taormina and proposes the ancient monument in its original appearance in two distinct phases. The first phase, dating back to the first quarter of the 2nd century AD, involves an impressive renovation, with the expansion of the seating capacity and the construction of an external ambulatory, in addition to the reconstruction of the whole frons scaenae. The second phase is ascribable to the 3rd century, and changes the theater building and the orchestra, with the transformation of the orchestra area into an arena, a testimony to the tendency to replace theatrical performances with gladiatorial games and venationes. Our reconstruction uses rapid 3D relief methodologies based on drone and ground photogrammetry, together with the interpretative potential offered by the 3D modeling environment. This approach has led to some unpublished solutions, such as the solution of the connection of the velarium with the hill supported only by ropes. However, the main objective of this work is linked to understand the architectural of the monument in an overview that places it in its original context and that allows visitors to appreciate the various elements of its originality.

Geophysical investigations to search for the remains of sister Chiara Isabella D'Amato

in Exploration Geophysics 52(5), 2021, 2021

This paper reports the results of the integrated geophysical surveys performed inside the Monaste... more This paper reports the results of the integrated geophysical surveys performed inside the Monastery of St Chiara in Nardó in southern Italy. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) investigations were carried out to find the tomb of Sister Chiara D'Amato, whose location has been lost over the centuries. Sister Chiara Isabella D'Amato was a charismatic and holy figure. She died in 1693. She was buried inside the monastery but her body has never been found. The data acquisition was performed along with a series of closely spaced lines for GPR and using a non-standard array for ERT. Data were processed and visualised as two-dimensional vertical sections and depth slices or three-dimensional volumes (GPR and ERT) to allow an integrated interpretation of the geophysical results. The analysis of the geophysical data sets revealed a series of anomalies that could be ascribed possible archaeological structures, probably related to the earliest ages of the sacred building as well as other anomalies (bedrock, fractures) of presumable natural origin. In particular, one geophysical anomaly was suspected of being connected to burial and consequently further investigated with the use of a video endoscope. The results reveal the presence of a void but it has not yet been clarified whether it is the burial of Sister Chiara or not as it is awaiting the excavation.

3D technologies for a critical reading and philological presentation of ancient contexts

in Archeologia e calcolatori 28.2, pp. 591-595, 2016

This paper demonstrates how low cost 3D visualization techniques can be easily used for the trans... more This paper demonstrates how low cost 3D visualization techniques can be easily used for the transmission of historical and cultural content in museum communication strategy. Specifically, we used computer 3D animation graphics to present information about Queen Nefertari, the Maya chapel and the tomb of Kha in the specific exhibition in the Egyptian Museum of Turin. Movie documentaries support the thematic itineraries of the rooms and offer a virtual trip to the places where the goods displayed were found. The same approach was used for the virtual reconstruction of two Pompeian contexts: the House of the Golden Bracelet and the House of Octavius Quartio. Our research allowed us to create an accurate representation of gardens, statues, architectural spaces, and pools with fountains and frescoed rooms, all virtually reproduced in their original context, using communication methods that combine technology with a synthetic and emotional approach. Techniques of close range photogrammetry made it possible to conduct a 3D survey of sixteen statues and other architectural elements; lost artefacts were reconstructed and areas destroyed by the eruption of 79 AD were evoked. The eruption was partially represented, with fluid dynamic simulations and computer graphics effects in order to transmit accurate scientific information in a simple and immediate language developed by lengthy technical experiments. The synthesis imposed by the short duration of the movie required matching all this information with a self-explanatory approach, which allows the visitor to understand the characteristics of the archaeological goods displayed in the exhibition in a general view that repeats colours, sounds and suggestions of the environments destroyed two thousand years ago.

The Roman Bridges of the Via Traiana: An Innovative Building System

in R. Carvais, A. GuillermeE, V. Nègre, J. Sakarovitch (eds.), Nuts and Bolts of Construction History, Infrastructure & Public Works, Proceedings of the 4th International Congress on Construction History (Paris, 03-07/07/2012) pp. 573-578, 2012

The extraordinary organization and technical competence of the ancient Romans in several building... more The extraordinary organization and technical competence of the ancient Romans in several building fields enabled them to design and build numberless monuments and facilities in order to satisfy any military, civil, religious and entertaining need. Among these structures, the monumental road network and the numerous bridges built along it had a primary role since it permitted to move all over the Empire. This study analizes the construction tecniques adopted at the beginning of the II century A.C. to build the Roman bridges along the Via Traiana, the materials and their architectural caracteristics.

Integrated Geoscientific Surveys at the Church of Santa Maria della Lizza (Alezio, Italy)

in Sensors 2021, 21, 2205, pp. 1-17

The church of Santa Maria della Lizza is one of the most important examples of medieval architect... more The church of Santa Maria della Lizza is one of the most important examples of medieval architecture in the Salento Peninsula in south Italy. In order to understand the extension and layout of the crypts, integrated ground-penetrating radar (GPR) prospections and laser scanner surveys were undertaken in the church and in the surrounding areas. The analysis of the GPR measurements revealed many anomalies that could be ascribed to unknown structures (crypts), as well as other anomalies related to the old church. The GPR data were supported by the laser scanner data establishing the spatial relationship between the surface and the level below the church.

Virtual Cerrate: a DVR-based knowledge platform for an archaeological complex of the Byzantine age

in E. Jerem, F. Redő, V. Szeverényi (eds.), On the Road to Reconstructing the Past. Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA). Proceedings of the 36th International Conference (Budapest, April 2-6, 2008), Budapest 2011, pp. 353-359.

The main aim of this study is to enable the public to enjoy the results of archaeological and arc... more The main aim of this study is to enable the public to enjoy the results of archaeological and archaeometric research, via the web or stand-alone products, and to “virtually visit” the monuments using RealTime 3D visiting systems. The navigation platform allows the user to visualise complex scenes and DVR-based knowledge models in “full-screen mode” even on desktop computers. As well as showing the current state of the monuments, the visit includes reconstructions of previous phases in their history and virtual restorations of the Byzantine paintings. All the textures were obtained by processes of photomodelling and were applied to the geometrical forms in accordance with the radiosity algorithm, with lights and shadows of the ‘area’ type. The result is extremely life-like, almost indistinguishable from reality.

Reconstruction of Villino Florio’s wooden ceiling using 3D technologies

in Archeologia e calcolatori 28.2, pp. 587-590, 2017

This work originated from a simple question: is it possible to reconstruct a destroyed architectu... more This work originated from a simple question: is it possible to reconstruct a destroyed architectural decorative element starting from documents that describe its details, shape and constitutive materials? An important limitation in the past was the lack of technologies and materials that could replicate an object like this in detail. Only a few years ago technology was not yet able to ensure accurate reconstruction characterized by an adequate formal aesthetic level both in terms of materials and finishes. Nowadays, this gap has been filled thanks to the development of Computer Numerical Control machines (CNC) in production processes. In this contribution, we present part of the restoration of Villino Florio in Palermo, built by the architect Ernesto Basile on behalf of the Florio family between 1899 and 1902 and partially destroyed by a fire in 1962: it is one of Italy's first architectural works in the Art Nouveau style, and is considered a masterwork within the European panorama. The restoration, directed by the Soprintendenza BB.CC.AA. di Palermo, also involved the monumental staircase, with a complex wooden floral pattern ("ramage") used to decorate the ceiling. Starting from the relief of the environment and from the old photographic documents, a 3D model of the ramage was retrieved. This formed the basis of information necessary for the subsequent reproduction of the subject with CNC machines on oak modules, assembled and finished just as they appeared in the photographs before the fire. A numerical approach made it possible to control the entire process by adopting structural solutions to avoid overloading the ceiling with excessive weight.

Self-Explaining Videos for the Museo Egizio in Turin

in Proceedings of the 8th International Congress on Archaeology, Computer Graphics, Cultural Heritage and Innovation ’ARQUEOLOGICA 2.0’ (Valencia, Spain, Sept. 5 - 7, 2016), Valencia 2016, pp. 132-137 , 2016

In the present project for the setting of the new Museo Egizio of Turin the "cultural message" ha... more In the present project for the setting of the new Museo Egizio of Turin the "cultural message" has been charged to make a few specific 3D computer graphic (CG) movies, and aims to introduce the topics dealt with the rooms dedicated to queen Nefertari, the chapel of the painter Maia and the tomb of Kha, respectively. In these movies, the passivity of viewing is counteracted with an emotional approach that involves the visitor within an informative path where, despite of the inactive kind of interaction, the viewer is somehow involved in the events because he or she is emotionally invested in them. Thanks to this passive and "self-explaining" approach, the visitor will be enabled to understand the relations between different objects, some of which are not directly visible. Moreover, the visitor will be able to virtually insert the tombs within their original context and above all will have the possibility to visit them as they appeared at the moment of their discovery. This has been made possible thanks the use of integrated technologies of representation, able to enhance the virtualization process to a verisimilar level allowing a hyper-realistic and "participative" vision. The high level of realism of the virtual reconstruction, the visual effects and the cinematographic representation, with added emotions to the scientific contents, positively contribute to the "dreamlike displacement" of the visitor between the real and the virtual dimensions.

Integrated Methodologies for a New Reconstructive Proposal of the Amphitheatre of Catania

Proceedings of the ARQUEOLÓGICA 2.0 8th International Congress on Archaeology, Computer Graphics, Cultural Heritage and Innovation, 2016

The roman amphitheatre of Catania stands in a very complex and interesting area where settlement ... more The roman amphitheatre of Catania stands in a very complex and interesting area where settlement dynamics and transformations have profoundly marked its urban landscape. Over the centuries, the urban and architectural histories together with the formation of the archaeological deposits have led to the complete obliteration of the monument and restricted knowledge of its plan and architectural development. Therefore, it constitutes an interesting context in which to experiment methods and techniques for architectural representation and the three-dimensional reconstruction of the monument.

Critical Reading of Surviving Structures Starting from Old Studies for New Reconstructive Proposal of the Roman Theatre of Catania

Proceedings of the ARQUEOLÓGICA 2.0 8th International Congress on Archaeology, Computer Graphics, Cultural Heritage and Innovation, 2016

The Graeco-Roman theatre of Catania stands in the heart of the historic centre, on the south-east... more The Graeco-Roman theatre of Catania stands in the heart of the historic centre, on the south-eastern slopes of the hill of Montevergine. The building visible today was built during the Julio-Claudian period as part of a programme that saw the rebuilding of the monument, which probably used structures and materials from the earlier Greek theatre. The work undertaken over more than fifty years, involving expropriation, demolition, excavation, and restoration, has, on the whole, made it possible to bring to light the surviving parts of the theatre, improving the comprehension of this monument, despite the fact that some sectors have been irreparably compromised.

The fortified medieval settlement of Rocca Montis Dragonis (Mondragone, Caserta - Italy) virtually alive

in Proceedings of the 14th International Congress “Cultural Heritage and New Technologies” (Vienna 2009), Archaeology and Technologies - Applied Research, Vienna 2010, pp. 461-472.

The fortified settlement of Rocca Montis Dragonis (Caserta-Italy) is located on the top of Mount ... more The fortified settlement of Rocca Montis Dragonis (Caserta-Italy) is located on the top of Mount Petrino, between the river Liri-Garigliano to the north, and the river Volturno to the south. From 2001 until now, archaeological investigations discovered a big part of the entire settlement, known on written sources from 12th century, which is a big size hilltop site, characterized by a complex group of structures hierarchically distributed in three different areas. The main focus of this work is to produce friendly communication tools, aimed to develop storytelling, by Virtual Reality methods, concerning the results of recent archaeological excavations, and in particular those aspects from which generates the phenomenon of “incastellamento”. The methodology used in this research runs from detailed observations of the artefacts evidence and from the study of low scale settlement dynamics, to the general interpretations concerning the architecture of the Rocca Montis Dragonis and the social and economic aspects referred to the building opera. On what concerns these aspects we could define this method an “inductive” one, from which originates every scientific result. The main targets of this paper have been the use of the huge archive deriving from the archaeological activities, interesting one of the most important medieval castle of northern Campania (Italy), to reconstruct with new technologies the original shape and the life of this settlement. Moreover the application of 3D virtual technology is aimed to the best promotion, knowledge, protection and conservation of this particular item of cultural medieval heritage.

The fortified medieval settlement of Rocca Montis Dragonis

The fortified settlement of Rocca Montis Dragonis (Caserta-Italy) is located on the top of Mount ... more The fortified settlement of Rocca Montis Dragonis (Caserta-Italy) is located on the top of Mount Petrino, between the river Liri-Garigliano to the north, and the river Volturno to the south. From 2001 until now, archaeological investigations discovered a big part of the entire settlement, known on written sources from 12th century, which is a big size hilltop site, characterized by a complex group of structures hierarchically distributed in three different areas. The main focus of this work is to produce friendly communication tools, aimed to develop storytelling, by Virtual Reality methods, concerning the results of recent archaeological excavations, and in particular those aspects from which generates the phenomenon of "incastellamento". The methodology used in this research runs from detailed observations of the artefacts evidence and from the study of low scale settlement dynamics, to the general interpretations concerning the architecture of the Rocca Montis Dragonis and the social and economic aspects referred to the building opera. On what concerns these aspects we could define this method an "inductive" one, from which originates every scientific result. The main targets of this paper have been the use of the huge archive deriving from the archaeological activities, interesting one of the most important medieval castle of northern Campania (Italy), to reconstruct with new technologies the original shape and the life of this settlement. Moreover the application of 3D virtual technology is aimed to the best promotion, knowledge, protection and conservation of this particular item of cultural medieval heritage.

Development of virtual environments for the museum communication

in Proceedings of the 6th International Congress “Science and Technology for the Safeguard of Cultural Heritage in the Mediterranean Basin” (22nd-25th October 2013, Athens, Greece), vol. III, Roma 2014, pp. 41-49

Despite the large number of monumental tombs discovered over the years in Taranto, only a few amo... more Despite the large number of monumental tombs discovered over the years in Taranto, only a few among them are open to the public for in situ visits. Actually, in most cases the visit is precluded because the sites are placed below private buildings or urban roads. However, as often happens, they are affected, for various reasons, by another inevitable trouble: the artefacts preserved inside them until the discover, have been subsequently brought into some museums whereas the monumental structures have been restored, in most cases with provisional works, in order to prevent their collapse. The consequence of this moving, is the de-contextualization of the grave goods and the lack of valorisation of monumental archaeological contexts. An effective solution for these issues could be achieved from the use of technologies that allow a virtual enjoyment of these monuments and the virtual set-up of the grave goods in their original contexts. Based on these premises, thanks to the project CNR-IBAM "Marta Racconta. Storie Virtuali di Tesori Nascosti", co-financed by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Puglia, the National ARchaeological Museum of TAranto (MARTA) will be soon equipped with the installation of a Virtual Platform. This will make 'accessible' ancient monuments from the Greek Taras (the ancient Taranto) currently closed to visitors. In particular, three very interesting monuments have been identified in close cooperation with the Superintendent and with the direction of the Museum of Taranto. The first one is the so-called Tomb of the Festoons, that was found in Via Crispi at the beginning of the last century. At present, it is placed inside a private apartment under the ground floor of a building. The second one, called the Hypogeum of the Gorgons, was discovered some years ago in Via Otranto, but it is now placed below a road pavement. The archaeological and archaeometric studies carried out on these monuments made it possible to develop a wide path of knowledge ranging from funerary rituals to construction techniques.

'Siracusa 3d reborn': An ancient Greek city brought back to life

in Proceedings of the 6th International Congress “Science and Technology for the Safeguard of Cultural Heritage in the Mediterranean Basin” (22nd-25th October 2013, Athens, Greece), vol. III, Roma 2014, pp. 220-227

This paper elucidates a virtual archacology project, undertaken by a team of scholars or the IBAM... more This paper elucidates a virtual archacology project, undertaken by a team of scholars or the IBAM-CNR and The Arcadia University - TCGS, aimed to the digital reconstruction of Ortigia, the core district of the Greek Syracuse. The main goal of this exercise has been the production of the 3D documcntary 'Siracusa 3D reborn', that represents an original advance in the knowledge of the Greek background of the city. In this perspective, we have chosen to produce 'passive' tools embedded with communicational and emotional components did not affected the scientific accuracy with which the reconstructive process has been carried out. Therefore, the visitor can learn those peculiar architectural and urban features of the Greek city, without disregarding those characters who played 'key roles' in the diffusion of Greek culture in the Mediterranean. Main monuments of Ortigia are described and analyzed in the context of a full 3D stercoscopic representation employing techniques of modern cinema industry for explaining its historical and archaeological characteristics. Emphasis is also given to reconstruction of war machines and some unique inventions conceived by Archimedes, the most brilliant mind of Greek era. The reconstructive workflow followed a meticulous methodological plan, based on the published data and aimed to define a previously unavailable topographic profil of the city, portrayed in two main chronological phases, Archaic and Late Classical. After this initial moment of research and historical interpretation or the ancient context, a story board with an intentional didactic narrative has been arranged for recpresenting the diachronic development of urban transformations together with main events that marked the history of the city. The stereoscopic production has allowed us to develop an efficient system for the tracking or the scenes along xyz axes, the compositing or nested scenes and post effects which provides color grading, and particle effects.

La valorizzazione di contesti inaccessibili nella necropoli greca di Taranto: un modello di fruizione multimodale basato su interfacce naturali

in Arkos. Scienza, restauro, valorizzazione, 7/8, 2014, pp. 15-22

Come spesso accade, dopo la scoperta i monumenti antichi sono soggetti, per diverse ragioni, ad u... more Come spesso accade, dopo la scoperta i monumenti antichi sono soggetti, per diverse ragioni, ad un destino quasi inevitabile: gli oggetti fino ad allora in essi custoditi vengono conservati nei musei e le strutture architettoniche vengono sottoposte ad un primo restauro, spesso consistente in opere provvisionali che ne impediscano il crollo. La conseguenza di questo è una de-contestualizzazione dei corredi ed una mancata valorizzazione dei contesti monumentali. Una soluzione certamente non definitiva, ma di sicura efficacia, potrebbe essere rappresentata dall'uso di tecnologie che consentano di visitare i monumenti e ricollocare gli oggetti di corredo nei loro contesti originali. Il presente lavoro illustra il progetto "Marta Racconta. Storie Virtuali di tesori nascosti", realizzato dal CNR IBAM (Lecce, Italy) e cofinanziato dalla Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Puglia. Obiettivo principale del progetto è stato quello di dotare il Museo Nazionale Archeologico di Taranto (MARTA) di una Piattaforma di Realtà Virtuale attraverso la quale sono stati resi 'accessibili' alcuni monumenti della città antica di Taranto attualmente non visitabili. Sono stati restituiti alla fruizione tre complessi monumenti della necropoli: le Tombe Gemine di via Sardegna, L'Ipogeo dei Festoni di via Crispi e l'Ipogeo delle Gorgoni di via Otranto. Dal punto di vista tecnologico è stata sviluppata una piattaforma di fruizione Real Time 3D stereoscopica, immersiva, in cui è stato implementato un sistema di navigazione con "interfaccia naturale" dove i comandi sono eseguiti con semplici gesti delle mani. Attraverso questa tecnologia il visitatore del Museo ha la possibilità di attivare un percorso di conoscenza integrata, dai contenuti eterogenei, che permette la fruizione di dati storico-archeologici, archeometrici e spaziali in un ambiente di navigazione iper-realistico dove è possibile interagire con le strutture tridimensionali, interrogare il DataBase interno ed esplorare interattivamente gli oggetti di corredo.

La ricostruzione del soffitto ligneo del Villino Florio attraverso tecnologie 3D

in Arkos. Scienza, restauro, valorizzazione, 17/18, 2017, pp. 73-82

Questa esperienza si inquadrata nel più ampio contesto del restauro del Villino Florio a Palermo ... more Questa esperienza si inquadrata nel più ampio contesto del restauro del Villino Florio a Palermo parzialmente distrutto nel 1962 in seguito ad un incendio. Costruito per volere dalla ricca famiglia Florio dall'architetto Ernesto Basile e realizzato tra il 1899 e il 1902 è questa una delle prime opere architettoniche in stile Liberty d'Italia e viene considerato uno dei capolavori dell'Art Nouveau anche a livello europeo. Il restauro, condotto dalla Soprintendenza di Palermo ha interessato anche lo scalone monumentale, con il complesso ramage floreale che ne decorava il soffitto. La mancanza di riferimenti progettuali relativi alla sezione del ramage e di cui esiste solo una documentazione fotografica in bianco e nero, ha portato alla necessità di approfondire la problematica della sua ricostruzione seguendo metodi scientifici nuovi ed avanzati. Il modello 3D del ramage, realizzato dall'ITLab del CNR IBAM di Lecce, costituisce la base informativa necessaria alla successiva realizzazione dell'oggetto reale, eseguita con l'ausilio di macchine a controllo numerico su moduli in legno di rovere, assemblati e rifiniti così come apparivano nelle foto d'epoca. Grazie all'approccio numerico è stato possibile controllare l'intero processo di lavorazione e predisporre adeguate opere di rinforzo strutturale atte a sostenere il notevole peso del soffitto.

Mutatio Valentia: uno studio ricostruttivo aggiornato

in Thiasos 11, 2022, pp. 213-232, 2022

Il presente contributo si propone di affrontare uno studio aggiornato sulla mutatio Valentia, una... more Il presente contributo si propone di affrontare uno studio aggiornato sulla mutatio Valentia, una statio romana con balneum collocata nella Puglia meridionale a metà strada fra Brindisi e Lecce, sul prolungamento della via Traiana. Partendo dai dati di scavo editi e dall'analisi delle strutture ancora conservate, si è cercato di individuare gli elementi utili a delineare una proposta ricostruttiva più accurata, anche in base al confronto con altre simili e coeve strutture presenti nella regione e, in particolare, con il balneum di Malvindi.

Methodological Approaches and ICT Solutions for Smart Cities

in CHNT 19, 2014, pp. 101-112, 19th International Conference on Cultural Heritage and New Technologies (Vienna, 03-05/11/2014)

This paper illustrates some results obtained by the ITLab (Information Technologies Lab of IBAM C... more This paper illustrates some results obtained by the ITLab (Information Technologies Lab of IBAM CNR Institute) within two PON (National Operational Program) projects called: "DiCet" and "Siracusa Energia", both financed by national funds. These two projects pursue the objective of defining and producing innovative models, processes, and tools for the sustainable development of a smart territory by capitalizing on its cultural assets and environmental resources, to promote their tourism offer. From this standpoint, some procedures were developed to compile technical models for an efficient management of 3D and 2D resources, and to define best practices and methodical protocols for quality certification and process standardization, capable of fostering cross-sector dialogue. The sites were identified as a function of a supply-and-demand analysis with regard to a placement on the market of innovative models and services based on the creation of hyper-realistic digital models and virtual scenarios. Particular attention was given to those uses that permit greater visibility, protection, and conservation of cultural assets characterized by difficult access, vulnerability, seismic risk, hydro-geological risk, etc. In view of this, innovative models and tools were designed and developed for capitalizing on and exploiting cultural heritage, understood as an integrated and complex system conceived as a holistic model strongly based on the use of ICT technologies. Virtual enjoyment is understood here as a form of representing reality that accelerates and strengthens cognitive capacities, which is to say it becomes capable of generating extremely sensitive, "virtuous virtual" learning processes based on metaphors of the real world, and thus easy to use and understand. Operationally, our working group has made some Augmented Reality solutions available; these enable the interactive display - directly in situ and especially on mobile devices - of archaeological monuments integrated within the urban fabric. A simple solution allows the user to display an interactive 3D reconstruction directly on the real site, using the latest-generation gyroscope function. In addition to this, certain inaccessible monuments of the cities of Lecce and Siracusa have been virtualized, chiefly using image-based technologies and ultra-realistic laser scanning, to allow them to be visited remotely both via smartphone and on large virtual theatres.

CRITICAL READING OF SURVIVING STRUCTURES STARTING FROM OLD STUDIES FOR NEW RECONSTRUCTIVE PROPOSAL OF THE ROMAN THEATRE OF CATANIA

by Francesco Gabellone, Francesco Giuri, Claudia Pantellaro, Giuseppe Cacciaguerra, and Ivan Ferrari

The Graeco-Roman theatre of Catania stands in the heart of the historic centre, on the southeaste... more The Graeco-Roman theatre of Catania stands in the heart of the historic centre, on the southeastern slopes of the hill of Montevergine. The building visible today was built during the Julio-Claudian period as part of a programme that saw the rebuilding of the monument, which probably used structures and materials from the earlier Greek theatre. The work undertaken over more than fifty years, involving expropriation, demolition, excavation, and restoration, has, on the whole, made it possible to bring to light the surviving parts of the theatre, improving the comprehension of this monument, despite the fact that some sectors have been irreparably compromised. Resumen: El teatro greco-romano de Catania se encuentra en el corazón del centro histórico, en las laderas del sureste de la colina de Montevergine. visibles en la actualidad el edificio fue construido durante el período Julio-Claudia como parte de un programa que vio la reconstrucción del monumento, lo que probablemente utiliza estructuras y materiales del teatro griego anterior. El trabajo realizado durante más de cincuenta años, la participación de la expropiación, demolición, excavación y restauración, tiene, en general, hecho posible sacar a la luz las partes sobrevivientes del teatro, la mejora de la comprensión de este monumento, a pesar del hecho de que algunos sectores han sido irremediablemente comprometido.

What communication for museums? Experiences and reflections within the project for the Museo Egizio in Turin

in 20th International Conference on Cultural Heritage and New Technologies 2015 (CHNT 20, 2015), pp. 1-11, 2015

The use of cognitive metaphors for the transmission of historical and cultural content is now an ... more The use of cognitive metaphors for the transmission of historical and cultural content is now an indispensable condition in the process of revamping the forms of museum communication. In this project for setting up the new Museo Egizio in Turin, the cultural message has been entrusted to three specific filmed segments in 3D computer graphics, aimed at introducing the subjects dealt with in the rooms dedicated to queen Nefertari, the chapel of the painter Maya, and the tomb of Kha. These are archaeological settings of extraordinary importance for studying and learning about the art and culture of ancient Egypt. In these filmed segments, passive viewing is offset by an emotional approach that engages visitors in an information path where, despite the inactive mode of fruition, they are in some way participants, because they are emotionally involved. The film itself is conceived as a showcase of changeable, heterogeneous digital content, capable of offering a concise, preparatory overview of the finds present in the museum spaces. This passive and "self-explanatory" approach will allow the visitor to understand the relationships between various objects - some not directly visible - like the mummy of Kha and of his consort Merit; to reconstruct the tombs virtually in their original context; but above all, thanks to the techniques of virtual archaeology, to visit these settings as they appeared at the moment they were unearthed. All this was made possible thanks to the use of integrated technologies for rendering and representation, capable of bringing virtualization to a level of verisimilitude that can foster a hyper-realistic "participatory" vision. The high degree of realism of the virtual reconstructions, the visual effects, and the techniques of cinematographic representation add emotion to the scientific content, making a positive contribution towards the visitors "losing themselves" between the real and the virtual dimension.

The Greek-Roman Theater of Taormina: Towards a Reconstruction Proposal

in 22th International Congress "Cultural Heritage and New Technologies" - Proceedings (Vienna 08-10/11/2017), CHNT 22, 2017, pp. 1-9, 2019

This article presents some results achieved by the IBAM CNR for the reconstructive study of the G... more This article presents some results achieved by the IBAM CNR for the reconstructive study of the Greco-Roman theater of Taormina, aimed at the realization of a CG film presented at the G7 summit (26-27 May 2017). The reconstruction is currently presented to visitors on display inside one of the two basilicas at the entrance to the theater. The work was commissioned by the archaeological park of Naxos-Taormina and proposes the ancient monument in its original appearance in two distinct phases. The first phase, dating back to the first quarter of the 2nd century AD, involves an impressive renovation, with the expansion of the seating capacity and the construction of an external ambulatory, in addition to the reconstruction of the whole frons scaenae. The second phase is ascribable to the 3rd century, and changes the theater building and the orchestra, with the transformation of the orchestra area into an arena, a testimony to the tendency to replace theatrical performances with gladiatorial games and venationes. Our reconstruction uses rapid 3D relief methodologies based on drone and ground photogrammetry, together with the interpretative potential offered by the 3D modeling environment. This approach has led to some unpublished solutions, such as the solution of the connection of the velarium with the hill supported only by ropes. However, the main objective of this work is linked to understand the architectural of the monument in an overview that places it in its original context and that allows visitors to appreciate the various elements of its originality.

Geophysical investigations to search for the remains of sister Chiara Isabella D'Amato

in Exploration Geophysics 52(5), 2021, 2021

This paper reports the results of the integrated geophysical surveys performed inside the Monaste... more This paper reports the results of the integrated geophysical surveys performed inside the Monastery of St Chiara in Nardó in southern Italy. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) investigations were carried out to find the tomb of Sister Chiara D'Amato, whose location has been lost over the centuries. Sister Chiara Isabella D'Amato was a charismatic and holy figure. She died in 1693. She was buried inside the monastery but her body has never been found. The data acquisition was performed along with a series of closely spaced lines for GPR and using a non-standard array for ERT. Data were processed and visualised as two-dimensional vertical sections and depth slices or three-dimensional volumes (GPR and ERT) to allow an integrated interpretation of the geophysical results. The analysis of the geophysical data sets revealed a series of anomalies that could be ascribed possible archaeological structures, probably related to the earliest ages of the sacred building as well as other anomalies (bedrock, fractures) of presumable natural origin. In particular, one geophysical anomaly was suspected of being connected to burial and consequently further investigated with the use of a video endoscope. The results reveal the presence of a void but it has not yet been clarified whether it is the burial of Sister Chiara or not as it is awaiting the excavation.

3D technologies for a critical reading and philological presentation of ancient contexts

in Archeologia e calcolatori 28.2, pp. 591-595, 2016

This paper demonstrates how low cost 3D visualization techniques can be easily used for the trans... more This paper demonstrates how low cost 3D visualization techniques can be easily used for the transmission of historical and cultural content in museum communication strategy. Specifically, we used computer 3D animation graphics to present information about Queen Nefertari, the Maya chapel and the tomb of Kha in the specific exhibition in the Egyptian Museum of Turin. Movie documentaries support the thematic itineraries of the rooms and offer a virtual trip to the places where the goods displayed were found. The same approach was used for the virtual reconstruction of two Pompeian contexts: the House of the Golden Bracelet and the House of Octavius Quartio. Our research allowed us to create an accurate representation of gardens, statues, architectural spaces, and pools with fountains and frescoed rooms, all virtually reproduced in their original context, using communication methods that combine technology with a synthetic and emotional approach. Techniques of close range photogrammetry made it possible to conduct a 3D survey of sixteen statues and other architectural elements; lost artefacts were reconstructed and areas destroyed by the eruption of 79 AD were evoked. The eruption was partially represented, with fluid dynamic simulations and computer graphics effects in order to transmit accurate scientific information in a simple and immediate language developed by lengthy technical experiments. The synthesis imposed by the short duration of the movie required matching all this information with a self-explanatory approach, which allows the visitor to understand the characteristics of the archaeological goods displayed in the exhibition in a general view that repeats colours, sounds and suggestions of the environments destroyed two thousand years ago.

The Roman Bridges of the Via Traiana: An Innovative Building System

in R. Carvais, A. GuillermeE, V. Nègre, J. Sakarovitch (eds.), Nuts and Bolts of Construction History, Infrastructure & Public Works, Proceedings of the 4th International Congress on Construction History (Paris, 03-07/07/2012) pp. 573-578, 2012

The extraordinary organization and technical competence of the ancient Romans in several building... more The extraordinary organization and technical competence of the ancient Romans in several building fields enabled them to design and build numberless monuments and facilities in order to satisfy any military, civil, religious and entertaining need. Among these structures, the monumental road network and the numerous bridges built along it had a primary role since it permitted to move all over the Empire. This study analizes the construction tecniques adopted at the beginning of the II century A.C. to build the Roman bridges along the Via Traiana, the materials and their architectural caracteristics.

Integrated Geoscientific Surveys at the Church of Santa Maria della Lizza (Alezio, Italy)

in Sensors 2021, 21, 2205, pp. 1-17

The church of Santa Maria della Lizza is one of the most important examples of medieval architect... more The church of Santa Maria della Lizza is one of the most important examples of medieval architecture in the Salento Peninsula in south Italy. In order to understand the extension and layout of the crypts, integrated ground-penetrating radar (GPR) prospections and laser scanner surveys were undertaken in the church and in the surrounding areas. The analysis of the GPR measurements revealed many anomalies that could be ascribed to unknown structures (crypts), as well as other anomalies related to the old church. The GPR data were supported by the laser scanner data establishing the spatial relationship between the surface and the level below the church.

Virtual Cerrate: a DVR-based knowledge platform for an archaeological complex of the Byzantine age

in E. Jerem, F. Redő, V. Szeverényi (eds.), On the Road to Reconstructing the Past. Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA). Proceedings of the 36th International Conference (Budapest, April 2-6, 2008), Budapest 2011, pp. 353-359.

The main aim of this study is to enable the public to enjoy the results of archaeological and arc... more The main aim of this study is to enable the public to enjoy the results of archaeological and archaeometric research, via the web or stand-alone products, and to “virtually visit” the monuments using RealTime 3D visiting systems. The navigation platform allows the user to visualise complex scenes and DVR-based knowledge models in “full-screen mode” even on desktop computers. As well as showing the current state of the monuments, the visit includes reconstructions of previous phases in their history and virtual restorations of the Byzantine paintings. All the textures were obtained by processes of photomodelling and were applied to the geometrical forms in accordance with the radiosity algorithm, with lights and shadows of the ‘area’ type. The result is extremely life-like, almost indistinguishable from reality.

Reconstruction of Villino Florio’s wooden ceiling using 3D technologies

in Archeologia e calcolatori 28.2, pp. 587-590, 2017

This work originated from a simple question: is it possible to reconstruct a destroyed architectu... more This work originated from a simple question: is it possible to reconstruct a destroyed architectural decorative element starting from documents that describe its details, shape and constitutive materials? An important limitation in the past was the lack of technologies and materials that could replicate an object like this in detail. Only a few years ago technology was not yet able to ensure accurate reconstruction characterized by an adequate formal aesthetic level both in terms of materials and finishes. Nowadays, this gap has been filled thanks to the development of Computer Numerical Control machines (CNC) in production processes. In this contribution, we present part of the restoration of Villino Florio in Palermo, built by the architect Ernesto Basile on behalf of the Florio family between 1899 and 1902 and partially destroyed by a fire in 1962: it is one of Italy's first architectural works in the Art Nouveau style, and is considered a masterwork within the European panorama. The restoration, directed by the Soprintendenza BB.CC.AA. di Palermo, also involved the monumental staircase, with a complex wooden floral pattern ("ramage") used to decorate the ceiling. Starting from the relief of the environment and from the old photographic documents, a 3D model of the ramage was retrieved. This formed the basis of information necessary for the subsequent reproduction of the subject with CNC machines on oak modules, assembled and finished just as they appeared in the photographs before the fire. A numerical approach made it possible to control the entire process by adopting structural solutions to avoid overloading the ceiling with excessive weight.

Self-Explaining Videos for the Museo Egizio in Turin

in Proceedings of the 8th International Congress on Archaeology, Computer Graphics, Cultural Heritage and Innovation ’ARQUEOLOGICA 2.0’ (Valencia, Spain, Sept. 5 - 7, 2016), Valencia 2016, pp. 132-137 , 2016

In the present project for the setting of the new Museo Egizio of Turin the "cultural message" ha... more In the present project for the setting of the new Museo Egizio of Turin the "cultural message" has been charged to make a few specific 3D computer graphic (CG) movies, and aims to introduce the topics dealt with the rooms dedicated to queen Nefertari, the chapel of the painter Maia and the tomb of Kha, respectively. In these movies, the passivity of viewing is counteracted with an emotional approach that involves the visitor within an informative path where, despite of the inactive kind of interaction, the viewer is somehow involved in the events because he or she is emotionally invested in them. Thanks to this passive and "self-explaining" approach, the visitor will be enabled to understand the relations between different objects, some of which are not directly visible. Moreover, the visitor will be able to virtually insert the tombs within their original context and above all will have the possibility to visit them as they appeared at the moment of their discovery. This has been made possible thanks the use of integrated technologies of representation, able to enhance the virtualization process to a verisimilar level allowing a hyper-realistic and "participative" vision. The high level of realism of the virtual reconstruction, the visual effects and the cinematographic representation, with added emotions to the scientific contents, positively contribute to the "dreamlike displacement" of the visitor between the real and the virtual dimensions.

Integrated Methodologies for a New Reconstructive Proposal of the Amphitheatre of Catania

Proceedings of the ARQUEOLÓGICA 2.0 8th International Congress on Archaeology, Computer Graphics, Cultural Heritage and Innovation, 2016

The roman amphitheatre of Catania stands in a very complex and interesting area where settlement ... more The roman amphitheatre of Catania stands in a very complex and interesting area where settlement dynamics and transformations have profoundly marked its urban landscape. Over the centuries, the urban and architectural histories together with the formation of the archaeological deposits have led to the complete obliteration of the monument and restricted knowledge of its plan and architectural development. Therefore, it constitutes an interesting context in which to experiment methods and techniques for architectural representation and the three-dimensional reconstruction of the monument.

Critical Reading of Surviving Structures Starting from Old Studies for New Reconstructive Proposal of the Roman Theatre of Catania

Proceedings of the ARQUEOLÓGICA 2.0 8th International Congress on Archaeology, Computer Graphics, Cultural Heritage and Innovation, 2016

The Graeco-Roman theatre of Catania stands in the heart of the historic centre, on the south-east... more The Graeco-Roman theatre of Catania stands in the heart of the historic centre, on the south-eastern slopes of the hill of Montevergine. The building visible today was built during the Julio-Claudian period as part of a programme that saw the rebuilding of the monument, which probably used structures and materials from the earlier Greek theatre. The work undertaken over more than fifty years, involving expropriation, demolition, excavation, and restoration, has, on the whole, made it possible to bring to light the surviving parts of the theatre, improving the comprehension of this monument, despite the fact that some sectors have been irreparably compromised.

Vittoria. Il monumento ai caduti di Alezio. Dinamiche storiche e celebrative

I tragici eventi che caratterizzarono gli anni della 1a Guerra Mondiale, lasciarono segni indeleb... more I tragici eventi che caratterizzarono gli anni della 1a Guerra Mondiale, lasciarono segni indelebili nella storia italiana ed europea, che ancora oggi - a poco più di un secolo di distanza - appaiono tangibili nei numerosissimi monumenti ai caduti presenti nelle piazze di piccole e grandi città. Il centenario della Guerra del 1915-1918, celebrato in Italia con varie iniziative di carattere commemorativo e culturale, è stata l'occasione per accendere una nuova luce sulle dinamiche storiche di un periodo - in parte adombrato dal successivo evento bellico mondiale - che ebbe pesantissime ripercussioni sociali. In occasione dei 100 anni dall'inaugurazione del monumento ai caduti di Alezio, che si compì il 1° luglio 1922, si è voluto affrontare una ricerca storica che andasse a ripercorrere, esaminandole nel dettaglio, le tappe che scandirono quel processo di elaborazione della memoria e del lutto della comunità aletina, in cui venne per la prima volta a realizzarsi un cerimoniale di ricordo collettivo. Esso viene analizzato non solo nelle sue peculiarità, ma anche all'interno di un contesto più ampio, confrontando e definendo le forme con le quali le varie cittadinanze giunsero a codificare metodi e retoriche funzionali all'elaborazione condivisa del lutto.

Ricostruzione tridimensionale delle tombe di Specchia Artanisi

in A.M. Bietti Sestieri, F. De Luca, P. D’Onghia, V. Ferrari, P. Gentile, M.A. Gorgoglione, M. Parise, M. Sammarco, G. Scardozzi, Ugento: Ricerche archeologiche sulla Specchia Artanisi e sul territorio circostante, Alessano 2009, pp. 67-69, 2009

Vendendo in platea. Le fiere storiche di Gallipoli nel sistema economico-produttivo di Terra d'Otranto

La ricerca di questo contributo mira a definire il contesto storico, economico e sociale nel qual... more La ricerca di questo contributo mira a definire il contesto storico, economico e sociale nel quale sono nate, sviluppate ed evolute le due fiere storiche di Gallipoli, quella di Sancto Petro et Paulo allestita il 29 giugno nei pressi della chiesa di S. Pietro dei Samari e quella di Sancta Maria de mezo agosto del 15 agosto che si svolgeva nello spiazzo antistante la chiesa di S. Maria della Lizza. Presenti entrambe nel territorio sin dalla tarda età medievale, le fiere intrapresero percorsi differenti che portarono la prima a cambiare luogo, denominazione e data, e la seconda a rimanere sostanzialmente immutata nel corso dei secoli e tale da giungere dopo circa seicento anni sin ai nostri giorni, nel pieno della sua rinnovata vitalità.

Contributo alla carta Archeologica di Alezio

Alezio 2 giungo 1946. Dalla monarchia alla repubblica

La fiera della Lizza Oltre 500 anni di storia

Ponte ‘Ponticello’, Ponte Valentino, Ponte dei Ladroni, Ponte delle Chianche

in G. Ceraudo (a cura di), Lungo l’Appia e la Traiana. Le fotografie di Robert Gardner in viaggio con Thomas Ashby nel territorio di Beneventum agli inizi del Novecento, British School at Rome Archive X, Grottaminarda (Av) 2012, pp. 96-97, 102-103, 108-109, 112-113.

British School at Rome Archive, 10 Il volume sviluppa tematiche relative alle fotografie realizza... more British School at Rome Archive, 10 Il volume sviluppa tematiche relative alle fotografie realizzate agli inizi del secolo scorso dallo studioso inglese Robert Gardner nel territorio di Benevento ed ora conservate presso l'Archivio della British School at Rome -BSR Photographic Archive, Robert Gardner collection.

Vite sbandate. Brigantaggio nel basso Salento (1860-1866)

Studio svolto nell'ambito delle attività di ricerca del GAE P196 Commessa CNR IBAM "Metodologie i... more