PROGRAMMA PRIN 2022 - BCALL PRIN2022 D.D. N.104 DEL 2 FEBRUARY 2022

PROJECT TITLE TARAS – Tarantine Ancient Archaeology and Architecture: Restoration and Sustainability. From the morphological study of an architectural heritage to a sustainable proposal with innovative methods for its restoration and enhancement codice 202238L4HZ ; 

Single Booking Center D53D23014740006

Budget: € 152,328

P.I. prof.ssa Roberta Belli

Other Research Units or any Sub-Units: UR2 CNR-Institute of Cultural Heritage Sciences; Sub-Unit: National Superintendency for Underwater Cultural Heritage, Taranto; Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the provinces of Brindisi, Lecce and Taranto.

Brief project description

Developed in collaboration with the National Superintendency of Taranto and the CNR ISPC of Lecce The project studies and enhances the funerary architecture of ancient Taranto through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates material analysis, historical-architectural research, and digital technologies. It focuses in particular on funerary monuments, such as the female student, developing sustainable restoration methodologies and 3D reconstructions to improve understanding and accessibility of the heritage. It also includes innovative solutions, such as the use of so-called smart materials, namely non-ferrous shape memory alloys (SMA), with the ultimate aim of creating reversible and replicable conservation systems, compatible with the Tarentine monuments and potentially applicable to similar conservation and enhancement contexts.

Purpose:

• Study and enhance Tarentine funerary architecture and its context: naiskoi and necropolises.
• Integrate archaeology, architecture, materials science, and digital technologies.
• Develop sustainable, reversible, and compatible restoration methodologies.
• Improve historical and construction-related knowledge of funerary monuments.
• Promote accessibility and multisensory enjoyment of the heritage.  
• Create digital tools for research, protection, and management.

Expected results: 

• Cataloguing and analysis of archaeological and architectural data.
• Develop an integrated knowledge system: database and GIS.
• 3D reconstructions and digital anastylosis.
• Physical prototypes and accessible models (including tactile ones).
• Sustainable and reversible restoration methodologies.
• Innovative systems with smart materials (SMA).
• Scientific analysis of lithic materials and finishes.  
• Scientific and outreach dissemination of the results.

Results achieved: 

• Achieved the scientific and applied objectives of the project.  
• Catalogued a significant number of architectural materials preserved in the superintendency's storage facilities.
• Expanded and systematized knowledge of Tarentine funerary architecture.
• Created an integrated database and GIS platform.
• Developed 3D models, digital twins, and anastylosis protocols.
• Produced physical models (including tactile ones) and full-scale prototypes.
• Tested innovative restoration systems with SMA alloys.
• Identified materials, pigments, and degradation processes.
• Improved accessibility of the heritage.
• Activated dissemination activities, publications, and territorial collaborations.