The survey of Rotunda: documentation, representation and data integration of San Lorenzo in Mantua and Santa Maria delle Grazie in Forlì for the interpretation of Renaissance architectures

The three-dimensional morphometric surveys of the Rotunda of San Lorenzo in Mantua (dated before 1083), commissioned by Matilde di Canossa, and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie di Fornò in Forlì (1450-1460), attributed to Agostino Di Duccio, are the opportunity to develop a methodology of data extraction and data query of 3D databases aimed at the documentation, understanding and knowledge of composition and design processes of one of the most relevant models for the Renaissance architecture. The central-plan layout becomes also for Leon Battista Alberti a subject of experimentation, which can be seen on the transition from the analysis of the Rotunda late-medieval layout up to the architectural solutions implemented in San Sebastiano and in the rotunda of the Santissima Annunziata. The paper will present a morphometric comparison and interpretation of central-plan buildings, methodologically surveyed by the same instruments in order to develop a possible avenue of research aimed at the documentation of this heritage especially Italian (Renaissance). An accurate and integrated comparison of the surveyed data can provide an opportunity to analyze the evolution of this architectural layout that, in this kind of church typology, has been pursued throughout the Renaissance and beyond.