Digital Documentation and Data Analysis for Safeguarding Heritage at Risk. Condition Assessment of Colonia Varese

Abstract. The 3D survey of the geometric-morphological features and analysis of the state of conservation of the former Colonia Varese in Milano Marittima, Ravenna, Italy, was developed in order to provide the Emilia-Romagna Region with a comprehensive and accurate knowledge base of one of the most significant examples of Italian rationalist architecture in the 1930s. In addition to being a unique opportunity to deepen the knowledge of this architecture strongly representative of its era, the research has been a testing ground for developing the use digital technologies for documentation of endangered heritage. The imposing size building is indeed heavily compromised by degradation and collapses over time. The integrated survey was developed under challenging conditions due to the architectural layout, landscape surroundings, state of abandonment, and risk conditions. The use of digital acquisition technologies has made it possible to overcome this issues, documenting the architectural complex and the surrounding area. The resulting 3D models and graphical representations enabled a morphological analysis, carried out in parallel with the historical-documentary research, showing an architectural layout still clearly legible, and assessing the structural damages, surfaces degradations, and changes over time. Current developments include the application of Artificial Intelligence algorithms for data segmentation and advanced features recognition.