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HBIM reconstruction in cultural heritage: the case study of the Casina Cenci Giustiniani, Rome
Full text linkThis paper explores the application of Heritage/Historical Building Information Modelling (HBIM) as a transformative tool for the restoration and management of historical structures focusing on the case study of Casina Cenci Giustiniani in Rome. HBIM is an extension of Building Information Modelling (BIM) specifically designed for the documentation, management, and conservation of historic and heritage buildings, utilizing parametric 3D models enriched with both geometric and historical data. HBIM enables the integration of detailed survey data and archival research to create intelligent digital representations that support restoration, maintenance, and analysis of existing architectural heritage. The HBIM methodology is especially pertinent for architectural heritage, where a thorough and multifaceted understanding of the asset is indispensable for any restoration and conservation strategy. The implementation of HBIM facilitates the systematic organization of relevant data, supporting both the documentation phase and subsequent inspection and diagnostic tasks. The methodological process used in this paper involved a scan-to-BIM strategy to reconstruct the three-dimensional model of the building from oriented images, minimizing labour-intensive and error-prone manual operations. This has enabled the creation of an accurate as-built model that preserves critical information regarding external dimensions, material compositions, deformations, and structural conditions. The resulting digital model serves as a comprehensive repository, hosting and embedding multiple data sets that collectively constitute a robust informational framework for future conservation efforts. 
Study of mineralogical, chemical and geotechnical properties of the historic materials for restoration of the Kutubiyya Mosque
Full text linkThe preservation of built heritage represents a cultural and scientific challenge of great significance, particularly as many historical monuments in Morocco have suffered extensive deterioration. Given that the renovation of facade and interior plasters is among the most common tasks in restoration projects, it is crucial to analyze the composition of stones and plasters to ensure the compatibility of materials and their effective interaction with the substrate. In this context, our study focuses on characterizing the stone and plaster from the enclosure of the Kutubiyya Mosque in Marrakech, as well as the materials used in its restoration. To achieve this, we applied mineralogical, chemical, and petrographic characterization methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and petrographic analysis. The masonry stone of the Kutubiyya Mosque has been identified as a marly limestone with properties characteristic of hard rocks. The primary exterior plaster is composed of lime and silty sand, with a proportion of gypsum added to accelerate the setting process. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of crystalline phases in the original masonry stone, such as calcite, clays, quartz, and dolomite. Additionally, X-ray fluorescence analysis identified the major chemical elements in the plaster. These findings reveal notable differences in the chemical composition of the original and restoration materials, highlighting their influence on the quality and durability of the restoration efforts at the Kutubiyya Mosque. 
Some instances of architectural design in the protection of Celto-Roman ruins
Full text linkThe program for enhancing ancient remains involves contributions from maintenance, restoration, and contemporary architectural design. The varied approaches in conserving and enhancing archaeology highlight a multidisciplinary and multisectoral method aimed at public enjoyment of the heritage. Preservation often requires restrictive restoration techniques, which can limit creativity but also inspire innovative solutions that respect the heritage. Different nations, shaped by their unique cultural formations, have developed specific ways of interpreting their past, primarily through local archaeology, seen as ‘the childhood of every country’. Globalization has impacted archaeological practices, leading to a blending of cultural and interventionist approaches, especially evident in modern European archaeological museums. These institutions reflect a mix of expressive museographic practices despite the ongoing search for cultural identity and origins. In this contribution, several exemplary case studies regarding the coverage interventions of Celtic-Roman/Celto-Roman ruins have been examined. The aim is to illustrate some possible approaches to protective coverings in the archaeological field, while being aware that it would be necessary to extend the reasoning to a greater number of case studies and that respecting the editorial space granted, forces us, rightly, to a more appropriate synthesis.
The Vatican Apostolic Library and philanthropy
Full text linkThis article, accompanied by more than 30 images, presents certain philanthropic experiences that have been in place at the Vatican Library since the 1920s. The Library has always been at the service of studying thanks to the generosity and support of the Holy See, which over the centuries has collected and guarded a wealth of documents of great value and interest. In order to carry out some major projects aimed at improving the spaces of the building it has occupied since the end of the 16th century, and the services it offers, the Vatican Library has welcomed the generous support of organizations, companies and individual benefactors. These have made it possible and continue to make it possible to carry out the renovations and reorganization of the available spaces, and to conserve the treasures entrusted to it in the best possible way, while at the same time making them increasingly accessible through technological tools, not only to the public of specialists, but to everyone. For this reason, we express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of them
Comparative study of the digital design status of cultural heritage on China’s Grand Canal and Europe’s Danube river
Full text linkThis paper conducts a comparative analysis of the digital design status of cultural heritage in two historically significant waterways: the Grand Canal in China and the Danube River in Central Europe. It investigates the current state of digitalization, the technological methods employed in digital design, and the forms of revitalization. Through a comprehensive comparative analysis, the study emphasizes key distinctions in sustainable concepts, technological applications, experience design, and social management service design. Furthermore, it identifies common features and shared challenges faced in both waterway regions. This research offers valuable insights into the digital preservation and activation of cultural heritage in these vital waterways, promoting cultural exchange between China and Europe and enhancing the global renewal of cultural heritage in ancient river basins. 
Oran’s forgotten fort: historical, architectural and heritage issues
Full text linkOran, an Algerian city with a rich past, has a diverse architectural heritage, blending Andalusian, Ottoman, Spanish and French influences. Among its treasures is the defensive system designed by the Spanish during their occupation of the city between the 16th and 18th centuries, which bears witness to its rich military heritage. This study is based on a revisiting of Fort San Fernando, a Spanish military structure that has long been considered lost. Thanks to a rigorous research method combining the analysis of written and iconographic historical sources with field investigation, we have been able to locate the fort, thereby refuting preconceived ideas about its alleged disappearance, as well as unfounded claims about its location. The analysis enabled us to document the fort and reassess its strategic role in the Spanish military system. The study also examined how the fort has changed over the centuries, from the departure of the Spanish to the present day, and suggested ways in which it might be preserved and exploited in the long term
Arte e Scienza: un argomento molto dibattuto
Full text linkNell'ambito del valore olistico dell'opera d'arte, dell'arte e della scienza esistono due diversi modi di leggere la realtà nel campo della tutela e della valorizzazione dei beni culturali e ambientali.Leggere la realtà è sinonimo di lavoro degli storici, che implica la conoscenza, l'interpretazione e la valutazione delle opere d'arte attraverso una valutazione soggettiva e, dei tecnici, attraverso una valuta-zione oggettiva. Unendo le rispettive competenze e, di conseguenza, formando un rapporto interdisciplinare attraverso un'esigenza che deve riflettere l'umiltà e un reciproco bisogno dell'altro (prerogativa necessaria), essi arriveranno, insieme, a una verità scientifica. Questi aspetti sono altrettanto importanti nel-la formazione delle figure professionali relative allo studio e alla ricerca del sistema: manufatto di interesse storico-artistico-conservazione-ambiente-biota.Quanto sopra è strettamente legato al tema dell'attribuzione e dell'autenticazione delle opere d'arte e alle diverse categorie intermedie in cui possono essere classificate le opere autentiche e riprodotte. In queste ultime, che sono frutto delle tecnologie digitali, a partire dalle opere autentiche, è evidente che le questioni estetiche ed etiche sorgono in relazione alle differenze tra opere autentiche e riprodotte.In conclusione, come emblematico esempio storico-tecnico del rapporto tra arte e scienza, si cita il Joumal "Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage”
