New Technologies and the Support and Accessibility of Cultural Heritage

What is it about?

The University of Pavia’s Computer Vision and Multimedia Laboratory (CVML) launched its first significant project in the field of Digital Humanities in 2004, with the virtual reconstruction of the Vasari’s machine, a priceless piece of lost art. It is an accurate 3D replica of a 16th-century wooden church altar that was removed and replaced in the 18th century. Since then, many projects — particularly for exhibitions or events — have been completed. To name just a few of the most recent: 3D modeling, applications for eye and gesture human-computer interaction, and tactile images of the Battle of Pavia for Milan EXPO (in 2015), a virtual reconstruction of Pavia in the 16th century (in 2018), the anastylosis of church frescoes destroyed by the 2016 earthquake in central Italy and tactile images for the city of Matera serving as the European Capital of Culture (in 2019), a 3D reconstruction of the Ark of St. Augustine for the XIII centenary of the transport of St. Augustine’s body to Pavia (in 2023). All of these projects have been developed as part of a "Computer Vision" university course, the last academic edition counting over a hundred students. A proactive approach that was gradually introduced into the teaching methodology has been very effective. The students responded tenaciously and came up with solutions valuable for the promotion of local artworks and their accessibility.

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Why is it important?

This article shows how the needs and problems addressed by experts in the Humanities can be skilfully combined with the potential and capabilities of the new digital tools implemented by computer experts. It also describes an important example of how the paradigm of Experiential Learning allows students to realize complex and articulated projects. At the same time, it testifies opportunities to create synergies between the academic world and the local community.

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