In the heart of Venice, where history and architecture intertwine, a groundbreaking study is reshaping how we preserve and understand our cultural heritage. Led by A. Pettineo from the Darwin Research Lab at the University of Florence, this research is not just about documenting the past; it’s about leveraging cutting-edge technology to ensure that our architectural heritage remains accessible, interpretable, and reusable for future generations.
The study, published in ‘The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences’ (known in English as ‘The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences’), focuses on the portal of the Sant’Andrea Fortress, a masterpiece designed by the renowned architect Michele Sanmicheli. The research introduces a novel methodological framework that integrates Hybrid Building Information Modeling (HBIM) and ontologies, transforming the way we approach architectural heritage documentation.
Pettineo explains, “Our approach moves beyond mere geometric recording. We’re creating a semantic infrastructure that ensures terminological consistency, interoperability, and opportunities for reuse.” This means that the HBIM model becomes more than just a digital representation; it becomes a rich, interconnected web of information that can be easily shared, compared, and built upon.
The process begins with a top-down approach, starting with the typological and lexical interpretation of the components based on historical sources and architectural treatises. These components are then formalized into parametric families and digital schedules, creating idealized geometries that are compared with digital survey data. This calibrated alignment between the theoretical model and the existing condition ensures a high level of accuracy and detail.
The commercial impacts of this research are significant, particularly for the energy sector. As buildings become smarter and more energy-efficient, the ability to accurately model and understand their components becomes crucial. The semantic infrastructure created by this research can facilitate better energy modeling, retrofitting, and maintenance planning, leading to more sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
Moreover, the study’s approach is not limited to the Sant’Andrea Fortress. Pettineo envisions a comparative library of cases, supporting research, conservation, and the enhancement of fortified heritage. “The portal of Sant’Andrea Fortress stands as an emblematic yet replicable example,” Pettineo notes. “This approach can be applied to other portals related to Sanmicheli’s oeuvre and beyond, validating the construction of a comparative library of cases.”
As we look to the future, this research paves the way for more sophisticated and interconnected approaches to architectural heritage. It challenges us to think beyond the physical structures and consider the wealth of information they contain. By harnessing the power of HBIM and ontologies, we can ensure that our cultural heritage remains a living, breathing part of our collective memory, accessible and interpretable for generations to come.
In the words of Pettineo, “This is not just about preserving the past; it’s about enabling the future.” And with this research, the future of architectural heritage documentation looks brighter than ever.