The Monuments Restoration Yard: a Virtualization Method and the Case of Study of Sala delle Cariatidi in Palazzo Reale, Milan

In this paper we present a method for applying VR techniques to simulate and analyze restoration projects of architectural monuments, starting from real world data. Our method is meant as a visualization and collaborative design tool and as a study aid in virtual rooms. We address the main issues in real-time visualization and interactive manipulation of highly textured surfaces. Moreover, key steps are specified for outlining a methodology to build from real world data and visualize digital architectural and archaeological models. Large attention will be given to reflectance capture problem for architectural buildings and color calibration problems in CRT projection systems. As a case study, we present the application of our method to the restoration yard of the XVIII century Sala delle Cariatidi of Palazzo Reale in Milan, Italy, a masterpiece hall of the Italian architect Piermarini.