Abstract:

Thanks to the new methodologies and technologies, the construction sector is going through a period of structural change to keep pace with the speed of innovation process. The digitalization represents the crucial challenge of the coming years and the Building Information Modeling (BIM) uses three-dimensional modeling to implement building information databases. Combining the digitalization experiences on the built heritage with 3D printing and Augmented Reality (AR), it is possible to explore more effective methods of communication to provide information to an ever wider and more diversified user base, from operators to citizens. Starting from the (TOBIM) Digitalization project of the public buildings in the City of Turin, the use of BIM models to make aware the knowledge of architecture through an inclusive approach has experimented. The objective is twofold: to give the visually impaired the opportunity to feel and touch some of the most relevant buildings of the city and, on the other side, to make society aware of the sight-related disabilities. For this purpose, the complexity of the technical data has been discretized in order to highlight the most characteristic geometric elements of the buildings under investigation and to maximize the dissemination of the information gathered during the project. Through the 3D models, printed in a short time and at low cost once the digital representation is completed, it is possible to immediately provide the perception of buildings amplifying the cognitive experience significantly. Exploration is guided by audio descriptions activated through QR-Code, in order to better enjoy the individual details, in addition to the general shape of the building. The approach pursued is synergistic: combining the need for knowledge necessary to optimize the existing heritage management activities with the technologies available on the market today, it is possible to reach very different goals and users and to promote knowledge of the city and the territory. The tactile experience called as “A Tutto Tondo” has been temporarily included in the museum exhibition of the GAM Modern Art Gallery of Turin and open to the public.

Keywords:

Digitalization, BIM, 3D printing, awareness, tactile experience.