Marco Canciani

Geometric Constructive Traces in Drawings by Francesco Borromini

Here some results are presented from the ongoing research of the analysis of the drawings by Francesco Borromini, preserved at the Albertina in Vienna, relating to designs of cupolas, in order to highlight the geometric constructions and the proportional relationships in function of the realization of the projects. In fact, besides the symbolic geometries traceable especially in the most famous buildings, such as the San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane or Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza, evidenced even by Borromini himself, other and more decisive geometries are revealed by carefully observing the signed drawings. The research methodology adopted is based on comparing what emerged from the analysis of the drawings, the study of the treatises concerning the construction methods of the cupolas and the results obtained from the survey by means of a 3D laser scanner. The survey, in fact, becomes the tool to ascertain the correspondence between the theoretical form underlying the drawings, and the realized form, including the provisional works that determine the geometric conformation, verifying the link between the geometric-graphic reasoning related to the load distribution and the consequent dimension of the components.

Methodology of Analysis and Virtual Recomposition: The Case of Retrosi, Amatrice

This paper is an initial report on an interdisciplinary project regarding an integrated methodology for analyzing architectural heritage damaged by earthquake, combining 3D survey, critical survey and virtual reconstruction. The case study using this methodology was Retrosi, in the municipality of Amatrice (RI), Italy, damaged by earthquakes on August 24th and on October 30th, 2016. Researchers from different disciplines (Representation, Restoration, Building Science), worked together to obtain an analytical understanding of the building criticalities caused by the earthquakes. The method is based on a semantic model linked to a database in which specific building elements, constructive, structural, masonry types etc. are classified as data, that includes instabilities and damages.

The Survey Drawing as a Tool of Knowledge: The Case of Casamari Abbey in Veroli

In a study of a building aimed at the conservation and restoration, the simple geometric - descriptive survey, however important, is not sufficient to ensure the understanding of the most specific aspects. In the study, in fact, both the information concerning the construction and conservative features of the buildings and those relating to structures and their changes occurred over time (also caused by earthquakes) should be evident. In the study of the complex of Casamari Abbey in Veroli (Lazio), one of the most important examples of Cistercian architecture in Italy, it was adopted a method of investigation based on integrated systems of traditional survey and 3D survey [1], through which it was possible to get a detailed description of the various architectural structures. These elaborations have provided support to develop specific analyses, aimed at understanding the structural and constructive characteristics of the various buildings of the complex, based on a verification of earthquake safety.

A 3D Model of an Urban Part: the OSTIENSE-MARCONI AREA in Rome

This research aim to develop a simple method for supply the urban design, like this of Ostiense-Marconi1, by 3d representations of virtual urban enviroments.