Publications
Following Water at the Mantua and Sabbioneta World Heritage Site
Integrating water and heritage management at UNESCO World Heritage Sites offers a transformative opportunity for sustainable development, as demonstrated by the case of Mantua and Sabbioneta in Northern Italy. This study reveals that embedding water-heritage relationships can effectively align with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), while also addressing goals related to education, consumption, biodiversity, and partnerships. The research highlights how innovative heritage projects that engage local communities and challenge traditional institutions can foster sustainable interactions between water management and cultural preservation. By examining the historical and contemporary significance of water in these Renaissance cities, the study underscores its potential as a catalyst for both heritage conservation and broader societal benefits.
Art heritage and landscapes, a shared place for building a collective memory undergoing transformation
A research project in Mantua and Sabbioneta successfully engaged residents and tourists to recover and reinterpret the towns' collective memory through participatory methods. The initiative developed a kit combining personal narratives, historical maps, photos, and field trips with secondary school students, fostering new perspectives on the cities' art heritage and landscapes. Interviews with key informants enriched the collected material, offering a dynamic approach to preserving shared history while adapting it for contemporary audiences.
MOBARTECH: Working with the Public to Explore Their Perceptions of Mantua and Sabbioneta
Public engagement revealed diverse perceptions of Mantua and Sabbioneta, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, highlighting the importance of community involvement in heritage interpretation. The study employed a participatory approach, leveraging MOBARTECH, to explore how local residents and visitors perceive these sites, emphasizing the role of education and technology in shaping public understanding of cultural heritage. This research underscores the need for collaborative strategies that integrate technological tools with educational initiatives to foster a deeper connection between communities and their heritage.
Progress of Spatial Acoustics in the Northern Italian Theatres and Stage Architecture during the Baroque Era
Recent research has shed light on the sophisticated acoustics of Baroque-era theatres in Northern Italy, challenging the long-held assumption that sound optimization was not a priority in Renaissance architectural design. The study, led by the Audiokommunikation team at Technical University Berlin, analyzed the Teatro Scientifico in Mantua and the Teatro degli Antichi in Sabbioneta using advanced measurement techniques and historical data. Findings indicate that these structures achieved high levels of acoustic performance, comparable to modern concert halls, through innovative architectural designs. The research also highlights the overlooked contributions of prominent architects like Scamozzi and the Bibiena dynasty to theatre acoustics, providing insights into their design principles and their influence on later musical eras, including those of Haydn and the Romantic period.
Learning and Experiencing the Cultural Heritage Between Materiality and Virtuality
This research demonstrates how integrating new technologies with traditional educational approaches can deepen public engagement and participation in cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible. By combining concrete proposals with technological tools—such as mapping and multimedia kits—the study highlights the potential for enhancing collective and individual experiences. In Mantua and Sabbioneta the approach involved collaborating with students and local historians to create tools that foster a unitary perception of the cities' spirit. The findings suggest that such methods can initiate meaningful reflections on informal education paths while addressing both the opportunities and limitations of technological integration in heritage fruition.
A multi-range approach for Cultural Heritage survey: a case study in Mantua Unesco site
A multi-range approach for cultural heritage survey demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating diverse acquisition technologies—including aerial photogrammetry, UAV-based photogrammetry, laser scanning, and traditional topography—in documenting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This method enables the creation of a 3D multiscale database, capturing architectural-urban details down to fine-scale features (1:50–1:20 scale). Applied in Mantua’s Palazzo Te gardens, the approach revealed historical modifications and provided graphical documentation for potential future redesigns. Comparative analysis of point cloud models confirmed the efficiency of this integrated methodology, offering a robust framework for studying and preserving cultural heritage.
Diagnosis for the Conservation of Wooden Ceilings inside the Ducal Palace in Sabbioneta (Mantua, Italy)
A comprehensive diagnostic assessment of the wooden ceilings within Sabbioneta's Ducal Palace, commissioned by Vespasiano Gonzaga in the late 16th century, reveals critical insights into their structural integrity and conservation needs. The study identifies that the ceilings, composed of rough wooden planks nailed to a skeletal framework supporting intricate decorative elements, exhibit signs of deterioration requiring urgent conservation measures. Employing a multi-faceted approach—including non-invasive observations, controlled drilling tests, and laboratory analyses—the research provides a detailed understanding of the ceilings' condition, offering actionable data for preservation strategies. This work underscores the importance of systematic diagnostics in safeguarding historic wooden structures against long-term decay.
The Conservation and Strengthening Intervention on the Wooden Floors of the Ducal Palace in Sabbioneta (MN-Italy)
A meticulous conservation and strengthening intervention on the sixteenth-century wooden floors of the Ducal Palace in Sabbioneta, Italyrevealed critical challenges in preserving such historically significant structures. The study highlights the necessity for expert restoration techniques, continuous oversight by architectural heritage authorities, and a phased approach to address structural integrity without compromising decorative elements. Conducted under the supervision of the Director of Works, Manager of Procedure, and Superintendence for Architectural Heritage and Landscape of Mantua, this intervention underscores the complexities of maintaining high-value cultural assets while balancing technical precision with historical authenticity.
The Structural Concept of the 16th Century Floors of the Ducal Palace in Sabbioneta (Mantua, Italy)
Research reveals the innovative structural design of 16th-century floors in Sabbioneta's Ducal Palace, showcasing advanced engineering for stability and durability. The study analyzed the palace's flooring system, combining historical documentation with material analysis to uncover its complex load-bearing mechanisms. Findings highlight the use of brick vaulting and cross-beam structures, demonstrating sophisticated Renaissance-era construction techniques that ensured long-term structural integrity. This work provides valuable insights into 16th-century architectural engineering, contributing to the preservation and understanding of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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