Prosthetic Visualizations for a Smart Heritage

The development of ICT has favoured the spread of real-time, pervasive and ubiquitous applications. In particular, VR and AR visualizations allow a close interrelation between people, data, environments and objects. Consequently, it is possible to enrich cultural heritage with information by visually superimposing multimedia content, in absolute respect of their physical consistency. In this way, it is possible to create a “smart heritage” dimension that combines the potential of the “Phygital” with the protection and enhancement of assets often characterized by important elements of fragility. An important role is played by AI applications, which automatically direct the processes of “Interpretation” and “Presentation” of the heritage. Based on the experience of the 3D reconstruction of the no longer existing Baroque configuration of the Basilica of Collemaggio in L’Aquila, aim of the paper is a theoretical-methodological reflection on the concept of VR / AR / MR for cultural heritage.