Abstract. In the last decades, thanks to the development of eXtended Reality (XR) development platforms, research studies have envisaged new possibilities for disseminating tangible and intangible values of the past through historical virtual reconstructions. More recently, experimentation in the field of virtual archaeology has led to the development of interactive experiences based on advanced virtual and augmented reality (VR-AR) technologies. In this context, the authors intend to support the transmissibility of the historical and cultural background through validated and sustainable workflow-oriented to create virtual historical reconstruction using different sources such as 3D survey (laser scanning and digital photogrammetry), Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) models and historical reports. The XR project’s development included reconstructing the main historical sections and water basins of the Cerchia dei Navigli in Milan: the Conca dell’Incoronata, the Conca di Viarenna and Via Senato. The main objective is to achieve realistic and suggestive Virtual Visual Storytelling (VVS), recreating the atmospheres and scenes of everyday life when the waterways were still present. The result is engaging content on an emotional level, which leaves the visitor with dynamic memory and the feeling of reliving lost moments.

L'era digitale ha assunto un ruolo sempre più importante nel mondo del restauro, migliorando la gestione del patrimonio costruito e la diffusione dei suoi valori tangibili e immateriali. Secondo i recenti metodi sviluppati nei campi del rilievo 3D e del Building Information Modeling per edifici storici (HBIM), questa ricerca propone un flusso di lavoro digitale in grado di supportare la gestione digitale di uno dei monumenti italiani più importanti del Nord Italia: l'Arco della pace a Milano. La fotogrammetria digitale, il rilievo, il disegno e la modellazione 3D sono stati orientati allo sviluppo di un ambiente immersivo virtuale (mixed reality) in grado di interagire e raccontare la memoria storica di uno scenario complesso a diverse tipologie di utenti, da professionisti a turisti virtuali e studenti.Parole chiave scan-to-bim, patrimonio costruito, historic building information modelling (HBIM), narrazione virtuale, mixed reality.

In recent years we have witnessed how technology applied to built heritage has exponentially changed the daily practices of the various experts involved in the life cycle of buildings. The techniques of representation of historical architecture have been able to make use of new 3D survey tools as well as research methods capable of managing a large amount of data while improving the level of information (LOI) and accuracy of the surveyed artefacts. On the other hand, professionals still have to make use of a large number of exchange formats in order to share their digital representations (3D, 2D) and analysis. For this reason, this paper describes the research approach followed to obtain “standard” architectural representations of a heritage building in the Cultural Heritage domain. The word “standard” is used in its original meaning: “something established by authority, custom, or general consent as a model or example” (Collins Dictionary). In this context, 3D models have a primary role in the workflow because its position is in-between the 3D survey techniques that come first and the restoration/maintenance activities. The authors’ thought is that the workflow should be as smooth and sustainable as possible to have an effective standardization and collaboration among disciplines, sectors and technicians working in the different study areas.