THEMATIC SESSION #06
Virtual Restoration and Digital Twins for Cultural Heritage
ORGANIZED BY
Letizia Cerrati
Letizia Cerrati
University of Salento
Laura Corchia
Laura Corchia
University of Salento
Giorgia De Giuseppe
Giorgia De Giuseppe
University of Salento
Ileana Riera Panaro
Ileana Riera Panaro
University of Salento
THEMATIC SESSION DESCRIPTION
The proposed special session focuses on investigating emerging directions in Virtual Restoration and Digital Twin paradigms within the context of Cultural Heritage and eXtended Reality (XR). Advances in digital technologies have opened new possibilities for the conservation, reconstruction, monitoring, and interpretation of Cultural Heritage through virtual and data-driven approaches. In particular, Digital Twins of cultural assets dynamic, data-enriched virtual replicas are increasingly used to support restoration processes, simulation, and long-term conservation strategies. This session will address key methodologies, tools, and best practices related to Virtual Restoration and Cultural Heritage Digital Twins, presenting both case studies and applied experiences. Particular attention will be given to the ethical, technical, and cultural issues raised by Virtual Restoration and Digital Twin practices, as well as their role in safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations. By encouraging interdisciplinary exchange among researchers, practitioners, and technology experts, the session seeks to foster the development of Virtual Restoration and Digital Twins as essential elements in contemporary Cultural Heritage conservation.
MAIN TOPICS
- Virtual Restoration Methodologies, Digital Twins, and Digital Workflows
- eXtended Reality (XR) and Digital Twins for Cultural Heritage Restoration
- Artificial Intelligence for Restoration, Conservation, and Digital Twins
- Interdisciplinary Approaches and Collaborative Frameworks
- Ethical, Cultural, and Methodological Issues
- Impact, Dissemination, and Case Studies
ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS
Letizia Cerrati is a PhD student in Cultural Heritage Sciences at the Department of Cultural Heritage of the University of Salento, where she focuses on preventive conservation methodologies for outdoor artworks, with particular emphasis on sculpture. She earned her Master’s degree in Art History with a research thesis on the history and conservation issues of the monumental copper statue of Saint Oronzo in Lecce. This work served as the starting point for her first monograph, The Statue of Saint Oronzo in Lecce between Art and Devotion, published in August 2024 by Edizioni Grifo and Edizioni ArtWork Cultura. She works on projects related to risk assessment and planned conservation through the use of innovative digital technologies.
Laura Corchia holds a PhD in Sciences of Cultural Heritage from the University of Salento, where she is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Department of Engineering for Innovation. Her research focuses on 3D modeling, virtual restoration, and the application of Extended Reality (XR) technologies to cultural heritage. She has contributed to several national and international projects in the field of digital heritage and virtual museums, combining technological innovation with humanistic approaches. Her current work investigates how XR can foster accessibility, education, and public engagement with cultural heritage.
Giorgia De Giuseppe is a researcher at AVR Lab (Augmented and Virtual Reality Laboratory) of the Department of Engineering for Innovation of University of Salento. Her current research interests include the development of Virtual Restoration techniques and Conversational AI Avatars, the use of immersive technologies for the study and dissemination of Cultural Heritage and the exploration of new tools and methodologies to enhance immersive technology applications in this field.
Ileana Riera Panaro is a researcher at AVR Lab (Augmented and Virtual Reality Laboratory) of the Department of Engineering for Innovation of University of Salento. She focuses on leveraging technology to broaden access to and participation in Cultural Heritage. Her current research interests concern the development of Virtual Restoration techniques, Virtual and Augmented Reality applications and 3D modeling for the enhancement and the fruition of Cultural Heritage.
