Rebuilding Palermo in the Middle Ages: A Virtual Approach

Abstract

A long sequence of demolitions, transformations, interpretative restorations eliminated or compromised a series of civil and religious buildings built between the XII and early XVI centuries in Palermo. For many of these architectures, graphic, photographic and documentary evidence exists and can be found. Within an extensive project of the Department of Architecture of the University of Palermo, based on the collaboration between different disciplines, we intend to offer an essay of the possible results that the synergy between historical research and representation can offer. Chosen case is a fifteenth-century civil building located in the San Francesco district, of which some fragments remain. The reconstructive interpretative process here presented has led to a virtual reconstruction of the chosen case. This process was carried out in synergy between historical research and representation, integrating critical analysis of the sources and iconographic evidence, survey of the existing, direct observation and geometric-dimensional comparison with the contemporary architectural heritage. The possible purposes (3D use or increase of interpretative possibilities aimed at knowledge) constitute an important incentive for this activity, which is intended to be extended to other city cases.