Ancient structures and new technologies: survey and digital representation of the wooden dome of SS. Giovanni e Paolo in Venice

The aim of this research is to study the wooden structure of the dome of SS. Giovanni e Paolo in Venice. The main purpose of this work is to analyse the shape and the geometrical and spatial knowledge of a very articulated structure that was very common in the Venetian architectural tradition of the XIV and XV century. Because of its complexity, a laser scanning survey, with the support of more traditional methods, such as direct and topographic survey, seemed to be the best way to analyse this type of structure and to obtain the information directly in a 3D environment. It was decided to use this technique given the features of the space: the reduced visibility, due to the absence of lighting, a very small planking level and a high number of wooden elements with irregular shapes make this structure fascinating and complex and the same time. The laser scanning survey allowed a quick and accurate data acquisition; from the elaboration of the data it was possible to create a 3D model of each individual element in the environment, without applying a simplification of shape and spatial geometry. The result of this research is not only the creation of a 3D model of a wooden dome, studying its formal and spatial complexity, but also the identification of an operational workflow that can be applied in surveys of complex wooden structures. This paper analyses the difficulties encountered during the survey process, and it illustrates the solutions chosen to overcome them.