Video mapping Domus Transitoria
The Domus Transitoria stands out as one of the most majestic Neronian palaces built on the Palatine Hill in Rome. Although it was damaged in 64 AD during the Great Fire of Rome and replaced with the best-known Domus Aurea, it can be considered a worthy example of archaeological stratification processes that are so characteristic of the city’s history.
The project curated by Visivalab used video mapping as a virtual restoration technique to dynamically present the original appearance of a recently rediscovered fresco inside the Domus.
CLIENT Soprintendenza Speciale Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio di Roma
YEAR 2019
FEATURES
- Virtual restoration
- Video mapping
- Study and analysis of the fresco
- Enhancement of heritage value
Project
The project developed for the Domus Transitoria combines the advantages that technology offers with the traditional restoration techniques of cultural heritage, resulting in the artwork digitalization in both a conservative and innovative key.
The mural painting intervened is a fresco with phytomorphic elements (plants and vegetables) on a red background, which probably represented a garden. It is located in an area adjacent to a latrine, so it would not be unreasonable to think that workers used to meet there. In fact, the fresco includes some drawings on it –possibly engraved by people waiting to use the latrine– which dotes the artwork even more authenticity.
The project not only seeks the preservation and restoration of artistic heritage, but its goal is also to offer a transversal interpretation of daily life on the Palatine Hill, which is indirectly reflected in the fresco.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
SOFTWARE
- CloudCompare
- MeshLab
- After Effects
- Blender
HARDWARE
- Projector
VIDEO MAPPING
Video mapping is a technique that transforms flat or relief surfaces by projecting images and animations on them. The first step consists of the analysis and study of the original fresco in order to create the visual format, which is later polished in post-production before it is ready to project unto the wall.
The fresco was subjected first to a minimal chromatic restoration that was integrated into the original, respecting its archaeological character. We acquired the images of the wall through a robotic digitalization system with high-resolution cameras and specific lighting.
Thanks to the precision of the scanning, it was possible to obtain highly detailed images of the intact remaining decorations. Then, with the video mapping technique, we reconstructed the decorations from the least compromised parts.
To sum up, the fresco’s virtual restoration was carried out in four phases: the analysis of its current state, then a chromatic reintegration of the background, followed by the virtual reintegration of the vegetal motifs until reaching the complete reproduction proposal.
THE FUTURE OF RESTORATION
The procedure and technologies used in the Domus Transitoria fresco can be further applied in multiple contexts and establish a new horizon for virtual restoration. They offer an enormous advantage: the possibility of working on the originals without having to touch their delicate surfaces, thus avoiding the physical risks that an in situ restoration would entail.
Through cloud technology, the result of the intervention is remotely accessible from all devices. In addition, you can enlarge the high-definition georeferenced images down to the smallest detail, which allows you to contemplate the work in precision without the need to travel to its original location.
INAUGURAL VIDEO
Finally, we created a video available in several languages to present the project’s results and the final video mapping. In it, a voice-over narrates the characteristics and historical context of the fresco with immersive audio, which surrounds the public engaging them in the artwork experience and its restoration process.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
SOFTWARE
- CloudCompare
- MeshLab
- After Effects
- Blender
HARDWARE
- Projector
PRESS
Roma, svelata la prima reggia di Nerone sul Palatino
Il Messaggero.it
“Riapre la Domus Transitoria di Nerone“
Cittanuova.it
