Abstract
Abstract. Archaeological sites in urban areas are often poorly integrated with the modern urban fabric and appear as “trenches” at a lower level than the road. They become neglected and unvalued places. The study of archaeological ruins in urban centres must involve archaeologists and architects to integrate restoration, enhancement and improvement of physical and visual accessibility projects. New digital technologies can improve these activities thanks to 3D models, “digital replicas” that allow even remote study (especially during a pandemic). The paper presents the case study of a private Roman-imperial bath in Catania. The open-air site is located at a depth of 3 metres above the road level and is not exploited. Our study consisted of historical-bibliographical research, direct and SfM surveys that allowed creating a high-resolution textured 3D model. We have extracted orthophotos and sections for geometric and technical-constructive analyses and recognition of decay from this model. We drew up an archaeological restoration and valorisation design. In addition, we imported the model into the Sketchfab portal. So, we enriched the mesh with information from the analyses employing specific tags about annotations, 2D drawings, historical and technical-scientific information. In this way, the model becomes an interactive document to monitor over time the conservation state, validate the restoration design and contribute to the valorisation of the site. This is an easy tool of exchange between all involved users (researchers, professions and students). Thus, the digital replica also represents a very high potential for dissemination purposes.
Highlights
Archaeological ruins in urban areas are often found accidentally due to road works that uncover relevant historical layers
The architect role is essential to set up the site, perform graphic and topographical surveys, cognitive analysis of materials, construction techniques and conservation state, and find restoration design solutions (Romeo, 2014)
The research group is studying a small Roman archaeological site within the baroque historical centre of Catania to carry out the cognitive analysis and the restoration project (La Rosa, 2020)
Summary
Archaeological ruins in urban areas are often found accidentally due to road works that uncover relevant historical layers. If not well integrated with the context, these sites soon become forgotten and neglected areas. In these cases, valorisation and archaeological restoration works are needed by an interdisciplinary team. The architect role is essential to set up the site, perform graphic and topographical surveys, cognitive analysis of materials, construction techniques and conservation state, and find restoration design solutions (Romeo, 2014). The research group is studying a small Roman archaeological site within the baroque historical centre of Catania to carry out the cognitive analysis and the restoration project (La Rosa, 2020). Thanks to the help of an SfM model, we developed a “digital replica” that can be exploited for restoration site and valorisation
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