Do you remember the digital twins we told you about in this article? Today, on Christmas Eve, we will tell you about an example that, in addition to arousing curiosity, shows us the possibilities offered by digital reproduction technologies in the field of ,inclusiveness,architecture and restoration. In fact The digital twin of St. Peter's Basilica has been created: a highly precise three-dimensional model that allows you to virtually explore one of the most iconic places in the world from anywhere and directly from your device.
This last point in particular can turn many people's noses up, because digital reproduction risks flattening all experiences related to the enjoyment of art. This starts from the journey to the physical visit of St. Peter's Basilica: all actions that presuppose planning, commitment, time and that include unrepeatable experiences, sensations, sensory stimuli and human encounters.
But does a digital reproduction really aim to replace or destroy the experience of physically enjoying art?
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Technology that does not replace
Exploring St. Peter's Basilica virtually will never be the same as actually visiting it..
This is clear and peaceful for everyone, including those who developed the digital twin. In fact, the message that this innovation wants to launch does not seem to be that of discouraging physical visits. No one, especially including the Fabbrica di San Pietro, has an interest in people no longer physically visiting the Basilica: it would be a resounding own goal.
The aims are therefore evidently different, which reside in the extraordinary and multipurpose potential of the digital twin.
How was the digital twin of St. Peter's Basilica created?
Born from the collaboration between the San Pietro factory and Microsoft, this project included:
- capturing over 400.000 ultra-high resolution images,
- drones,
- laser scanner,
- 8K cameras.
In this way it was possible to map every architectural and artistic detail. The impressive number of images was processed by a network of servers powered by artificial intelligence, so as to create a 3D model with an accuracy of 0,2 mm. It took a lot of time to make it 12 months of work and the involvement of 50 experts, including engineers, art historians and developers.
Useful for the study of art, architecture, restoration and for inclusiveness
In the field of study, it becomes a important and very valuable resource for art historians and architects. In fact, in addition to being able to analyze the Basilica from any place and at any time with precision and very high resolution quality, you can observe details that are unattainable during traditional visits. For the restoration, therefore, becomes an advanced tool for identifying cracks, structural damage and missing mosaic tiles… a function that facilitates the planning of targeted interventions.
And finally, from the point of view of inclusiveness, it represents a turning point for those who cannot physically visit St. Peter's Basilica. People with disabilities of various kinds (including psychological) can explore every corner virtually, as can those who do not have enough money to travel.
When will the digital twin of St. Peter's Basilica be available?
The digital twin we are talking about is not yet available… at least not for long. In fact, the project, officially called La Basilica di San Pietro: AI-Enhanced Experience, will be inaugurated starting from the beginning of the Jubilee 2025.
So it will still take some time to understand exactly when, for whom and at what price the fruit of this work will be released publicly.
A virtual work significant, which fits into that territory of the Italian cultural ecosystem that is embracing a significant digitalization. In fact, in addition to St. Peter's Basilica, for example digital twins of the Verona Arena and Palazzo Pitti have already been created, while in Rome they are working on the development of a Reproduction of the Quirinale, with the aim (among others) of optimising the energy efficiency of the building.
