The paper addresses the challenges related to the application of machine learning solutions to support historical and architectural critical interpretation. The case study reported here is the complex of San Lorenzo in Miranda, located in the Roman Forum along the Via Sacra. The structure, originally conceived as a temple and later transformed into a church, is a multi-layered architectural palimpsest in which each construction phase, at least since Roman times, has inevitably influenced the subsequent modifications. The building’s rebirth upon itself through the integration and modification of its older portions is its main characteristic, imparting a specific complexity and interest. The first phase of the research focused on bibliographic study and 3D digital survey, both of which contributed to identifying the multiple construction phases of the building. In particular, the digital survey was implemented through two survey campaigns. The first involved a massive 3D laser scanner acquisition and UAV photogrammetric capturing, while the second integrated a topographic survey to georeference the captured data. The second phase concerned data interpretation, focusing on research questions related to a hypothetical reconstruction of the cella’s original wall covering layer. This question was addressed by leveraging machine learning algorithms used to automatically identify the covering traces.
The Connection Between Scenography and Virtual Reconstructions of the Statuary Groups in the Nymphaeum of Tiberius
The paper investigates the relationship between spatial scenography and virtual reconstruction in the interpretation of fragmented archaeological contexts. Focusing on the Nymphaeum of Tiberius, the study combines historical research, integrated digital survey (laser scanning and photogrammetry), and 3D modeling to reconstruct both the architectural environment and its original statuary groups. Through processes of virtual anastylosis and multidimensional representation, fragmented sculptures are digitally reassembled and repositioned within their original setting. The resulting models are used in extended reality environments and web-based platforms to enhance interpretation, enabling users to explore the reconstructed spatial narrative and understand the original scenic composition of the site.
AR for Virtual Restoration
This paper explores the use of Augmented Reality as a tool for virtual restoration and interactive museum communication. Within the OSTIA 3D Project, the authors develop a workflow combining 3D acquisition, digital modelling, restoration hypotheses, and AR visualization to enhance archaeological heritage without physically altering original artifacts. The study focuses on the digital reintegration of damaged sculptural works preserved in the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica, aiming to restore perceptual unity while maintaining historical authenticity. Through photogrammetry, structured-light scanning, mesh editing, reverse engineering, and geometric validation, missing portions are virtually reconstructed and presented through an AR application built in Unity. Users can compare the original object, the restored version, and segmented additions while accessing images, texts, and contextual information. The research demonstrates how AR-based virtual restoration can improve accessibility, emotional engagement, and public understanding of fragmented archaeological objects in museum environments.
Storytelling for Cultural Heritage: theLucrezio Menandro’s Mithraeum
The essay is part of the valorization for the knowledge of Cultural Heritage and is articulated ac-cording to three different readings: a first semantic reading, concerning the meaning of narration of a specific “story”; an operational reading in which the proposed methodology is applied to a concrete case study; a reading on the possible scenarios of communication for knowledge, using AR. The first results of the ongoing digitization process of the collection inside the buildings of the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park in Rome are presented here, where innovative digitization and data optimization technologies are compared with the immense heritage of the Park, animating the exhibition-inter-active itinerary, creating digitally usable content through AR, reflecting on the opportunity of these technologies to create new forms of digital storytelling for use and knowledge.