3D survey and semantic analysis for the documentation of built heritage. The case study of Palazzo Centrale of Pavia University

In the procedures regarding built heritage documentation, the process of representing the object in a digital environment is characterized by a high level of complexity. In fact, the need to process heterogeneous information, referring to quantity, quality and format is one of the main emerging issues. Recent technologies of digitization of our built environment offer excellent performances on data reliability and time of acquisition. On the other hand, they bring about new challenges regarding how to define methodologies and strategies to effectively elaborate such information. A possible way to optimize the use of these data is by implementing them into informative systems: these tools have great potential in the creation of multi-layered representations and offer extensive possibilities for interpretations and analyses. This research, carried out by the laboratories DAdaLab and PLAY of the University of Pavia, focuses on the University's Palazzo Centrale and aims at developing a precise methodological approach: starting from the 3D acquisition, the survey data are discretized-through critical processes of semantic analysis and breakdown-and later implemented into informative databases. Moreover, the architectural characters, construction phases and the strong bond with the urban setting make the case study particularly valuable; therefore, it represents an excellent opportunity to point out the potentials of this approach to the definition of management tools for the conservation of built heritage.