Virtual Reality bridge between Chemistry and Cultural Heritage: the “Sala degli Stemmi” Case Study.

Abstract

Abstract In this contribution, we present a multiscale and multidisciplinary VR architecture that aims at creating a common environment where cultural heritage and chemistry meet in order to strengthen the role already played by chemistry in the process of restoration of cultural goods. Our aim is to create a user friendly platform where experts of both fields can share data and ideas in a direct way, in order to achieve deeper insights into cultural goods combining the scientific and historical points of view. As a case study we present the 3D reconstruction of the “Sala degli Stemmi”, which is one of the two historical rooms at Palazzo della Carovana in Pisa, presenting a number of artworks that underwent a process of chemical analysis and restoration in 2012. The whole architecture has been developed using the Unity game engine, and it is usable with HTC Vive headsets. The implementation of the VR environment and the potential applications, from both the scientific and educational points of view, are discussed in some detail.