DARKSCAPE EXPERIENCE

Areas: Cultural & living heritage

Project code: P2022XB78F_004 – CUP: J53D23016580001

Programme: Finanziato dall'Unione Europea - NextGenerationEU a valere sul Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza (PNRR) – Missione 4 Istruzione e ricerca – Componente 2 Dalla ricerca all’impresa - Investimento 1.1

Call: PRIN: PROGETTI DI RICERCA DI RILEVANTE INTERESSE NAZIONALE – Bando 2022 PNRR

The DSE (DarkScape Experience) is a technological-scientific, educational and cultural project that aims to create three-dimensional digital reconstructions of environments belonging to historical buildings (studios, galleries, chapels) inside which the original lighting conditions are virtually restored, not only the daylight but also the nightlight, according to the ancient methods of "dark fruition" widely attested by literary, documentary and historiographical sources. The DSE also aims to relocate within the reconstructed virtual environment the works of art that were part of the original ornamental context, making it possible to analyse for educational and scientific purposes both the environment itself, in its overall restitution, and the individual objects that once made up its furnishings, thus enabling one to appreciate, according to the different lighting conditions, the material qualities of the works, the stylistic and expressive specificities, and the ability to react to the most diverse luminous stimuli. The importance given since the project's name to the condition of darkness depends on the ancient custom, particularly alive in the 16th-18th centuries, of immersing works of art in a dimension of complete darknesss that their material and stylistic qualities could be better appreciated in the vibrant light of a flame. Such an experience of fruition involved the use of special artificial lighting systems (torches, oil lamps, candles),about which there is accurate evidence. In fact, the DSE makes it possible to replicate particular effects of light, shadow and dimness in virtual space, such as those produced by the lantern, candlelight and torch, as well as, of course, daylight.

Project duration

24 months

Scientific project head for the Department

Carmelo Occhipinti

Coordinator

Marco Gaiani

Partnership

Università degli Studi di ROMA "Tor Vergata"

Politecnico di MILANO

Total Budget: 217.793 €

DA Budget: 72.000 €

Lecturers and researchers connected to the project