Francesco Di Paola

Integrated three-dimensional models for noninvasive monitoring and valorization of the Morgantina silver treasure (Sicily)

Abstract. The Morgantina silver treasure belonging to the Archaeological Museum of Aidone (Sicily) was involved in a three-dimensional (3-D) survey and diagnostics campaign for monitoring the collection over time in anticipation of their temporary transfer to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York for a period of 4 years. Using a multidisciplinary approach, a scientific and methodological protocol based on noninvasive techniques to achieve a complete and integrated knowledge of the precious items and their conservation state, as well as to increase their valorization, has been developed. All acquired data, i.e., 3-D models, ultraviolet fluorescence, x-ray images, and chemical information, will be made available, in an integrated way, within a web-oriented platform, which will present an in-progress tool to deepen existing archaeological knowledge and production technologies and to obtain referenced information of the conservation state before and after moving of the collection from its exposure site.

Geometry/Time Measurement/Sundials Graphical Resolution via Algorithmic and Parametric Processes

Every people, in every historical period, developed methods to measure Time both at a daily scale and at a yearly scale. Some of them constructed sundials to represent the apparent trajectory of the Sun around the Earth, by using and developing tools from descriptive and projective Geometry, mainly. This subject acquired a great multidisciplinary interest since ancient times, also for Science of Representation applications. This study presents the first results of an ongoing research concerning some aspects related to Time Measurement. The geometric-spatial setting of the Sun-Earth system is described and is structured parametrically via algorithms, following the known conventions shared and endorsed by gnomonic treatises. A three-dimensional model built with a strictly geometrical approach was developed; this allowed to set parameters (e.g., the latitude of the site, the Sun declination angle, the hour angle, the altitude and collocation of the Sun relative to the sky) and relations dynamically, which define the variation of the length of day and night during the year. The 3D model allowed an in-depth study of the properties and peculiar characteristics of some sundials and a new variant of a known one is also proposed. The unreleased geometrical constructions in Monge’s orthogonal projections were elaborated using by GeoGebra and the 3D models and algorithmic definitions were developed using by Grasshopper and Ladybug plug-ins, eventually visualising the results in Rhinoceros.

The Averinga’s Edicola and the Cult of Water in Palermo. From Knowledge to Valorisation

We propose here a multidisciplinary approach to the study of a unique historical landmark, currently in a state of great disrepair the “Edicola dell’Averinga”. It was built in 1587 by the Senate of Palermo to protect the Ayn Rutah (Arabic for “Averinga”) spring: from here, the water would then be collected and funnelled towards fertile gardens and dwellings near the city walls. The study of this cryptic artefact was possible thanks to a number of fundamental processes, such as the historical and architectural investigation, the retrieval of documentation both iconographic and archival, the analysis of constructive methodologies and building materials employed, and the application of current surveying and representation systems. It was then possible to propose a series of guidelines for intervention aimed to conciliate the conservation practice with an opportunity for valorisation and promotion.

A reverse engineering approach to measure the deformations of a sailing yacht

In this work, a multidisciplinary experience, aimed to study the permanent deformations of the hull of a regatta sailing yacht is described. In particular, a procedure to compare two different surfaces of the hull of a small sailing yacht, designed and manufactured at the University of Palermo, has been developed. The first one represents the original CAD model while the second one has been obtained by means of a reverse engineering approach. The reverse engineering process was performed through an automatic close-range photogrammetry survey, that has allowed to obtain very accurate measures of the hull, and a 3D modelling step by the well-known 3D computer graphics software Rhinoceros. The reverse engineering model was checked through two different procedures implemented by the graphical algorithm editor Grasshopper. The first procedure has allowed to compare the photogrammetric measurements with the rebuilt surface, in order to verify if the reverse engineering process has led to reliable results. The second has been implement to measure the deviations between the original CAD model and the rebuilt surface of the hull. This procedure has given the possibility to highlight any permanent deformation of the hull due to errors during the production phase or to excessive loads during its use. The obtained results have demonstrated that the developed procedure is very efficient and able to give detailed information on the deviation values of the two compared surfaces.

The Scuola Officina Meccanica in Villaggio Monte Degli Ulivi in Riesi. Reading and Analysis Through Surveying

This research analyses in depth the project of one of the most representative work of the Modern Architectural Movement in Sicily – the Scuola Officina Meccanica, located in Villaggio Monte degli Ulivi, in Riesi (CL), designed by the architect Leonardo Ricci between 1962 and 1968. The main objective is to contribute to the conservation of the architectural work through its analysis and study for a careful and conscious restoration. The research methodology aimed to retrace the compositional and geometric principles that defined the design process and its unique configuration.

Digital technologies for virtual recomposition : the case study of Serpotta stuccoes

The matter that lies beneath the smooth and shining surface of stuccoes of the Serpotta family, who used to work in Sicily from 1670 to 1730, has been thoroughly studied in previous papers, disclosing the deep, even if empirical, knowledge of materials science that guided the artists in creating their masterworks. In this work the attention is focused on the solid perspective and on the scenographic sculpture by Giacomo Serpotta, who is acknowledged as the leading exponent of the School. The study deals with some particular works of the artist, the so-called “teatrini” (Toy Theater), made by him for the San Lorenzo Oratory in Palermo. On the basis of archive documents and previous analogical photogrammetric plotting, integrated with digital solutions and methodologies of computerbased technologies, the study investigates and interprets the geometric-formal genesis of the examined works of art, until the prototyping of the whole scenic apparatus.