Conjectural reconstruction from archive drawings: methodological aspects

Abstract

The digital reconstruction of architectural projects starting from archive sources is a well established disciplinary application useful for the study and analysis of architecture and its relations with the historical context as well as for the representation of volumes and spaces not visible in the original documents. Given the importance recognized to these operations which inevitably involve processes of hermeneusi we propose methodological guidelines for the drafting a protocol limiting arbitrariness as much as possible. The analysis was carried out on three projects by Giuseppe Damiani Almeyda (Capua 1834 - Palermo 1911), Ernesto Basile (Palermo 1857-1932) and Salvatore Benfratello (Palermo 1881-1953). The aim is to deduce a methodological approach aimed at analyzing and reconstructing projects starting from archive sources, analyzing three works different by type, size and stylistic aspects. Respecting the critical spirit and scientific autonomy, a methodological basis aimed at drafting a reference operative protocol is proposed.