Earthquake, survey and advanced representation: knowledge, restoration and enhancement of the architectural heritage in the city of Ferrara, World Heritage Site

The recent earthquake occurred in the Emilian territory has left many open questions. These issues, far to be definitely solved, are still committing technicians, scholars and safety operators. Immediately after the first safety procedures, operations of restoration, consolidation and regeneration were needed. These actions must be leaded by a general research method based on survey, a fundamental activity leading towards all operations of knowledge and conservation. Our research group here presents two case-studies, showing different ways to operate in such a situation of danger and urgency. Both the objects of study are located in Ferrara, where the architectural heritage suffered considerable damage due to the earthquake. The catastrophic event aroused the interest of administrators, and many initiatives were born immediately after. They are intended not only to put in security, but also to enhance and strengthen the cultural patrimony of the city. The first case concerns the Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione, seriously damaged by the quake. Here an integrated survey was carried out, to document meticulously damages and injuries, for the purpose of conservation of the monument. The second one concerns Palazzo Schifanoia, showpiece of Ferrara’s museum complex. Here, in addition to conservation, the museum managers took an approach based on the production of multimedia content. The general aim is to emphasize the potential of an integrated approach, blending the use of both traditional and advanced survey methods.