Digital Restoration of Palazzo Senatorio Cornice

The integration of digital technologies into architectural restoration is transforming how damaged or missing decorative elements can be documented, reconstructed, and reintegrated into historic buildings. One project in which I applied this approach involved thedigitalrestorationand 3D printing of an architectural decoration from the cornice of Palazzo Senatorio, the historic building overlookingPiazza del Campidoglio in Rome.

The intervention was carried out in collaboration withSimone Gramagliaas part of the restoration works conducted by the conservation companyRoberto Civetta – Conservazione e Restauro Opere d’Arte. The project demonstrates howtraditional conservation practices and digital technologies can work together, creating an integrated workflow in which physical restoration and digital modelling support each other.

Palazzo Senatorio and the Restoration Context

Palazzo Senatorio is one of the most important historic buildings in Rome and forms the central architectural element of theCampidoglio complex redesigned by Michelangelo in the sixteenth century. Over centuries the building has undergone multiple transformations, and its decorative architectural elements require periodic conservation.

The restoration intervention focused on adecorative component of the upper cornice, measuring approximately40 cm in length. Due to weathering and material loss, the original element had deteriorated significantly. Accurate documentation and reconstruction were therefore necessary to produce a replica capable of reintegrating the missing portion of the architectural composition.

The project formed part of a broader conservation programme promoted by theComune di Roma, aimed at safeguarding the historical integrity of the Palazzo Senatorio façade facing Piazza del Campidoglio.

3D Scanning and Digital Documentation

The first phase of the project involved the3D scanning of the surviving architectural fragmentusing astructured light scanner (Einscan). Structured light scanning is particularly suitable for documenting sculptural and architectural elements, as it allows highly accurate acquisition of both geometry and surface detail.

The scanning process generated a high-resolutionpoint cloud and polygonal mesh, creating a precise digital record of the object. This dataset served as the basis for the subsequent reconstruction work, preserving the morphological characteristics and decorative patterns of the original element.

Digital documentation also provides a long-term archive for conservation purposes, ensuring that detailed geometric data remains available for future monitoring or restoration interventions.

Digital Reconstruction and 3D Modelling

After processing the scan data, the model was integrated and refined usingBlendernative scultping tools. This stage required careful digital sculpting and geometric correction to reconstruct damaged areas while maintaining coherence with the original decorative design.

The modelling process involved analysing the symmetry and ornamental logic of the cornice decoration in order to reconstruct missing portions with a high degree of accuracy. Through this workflow, the raw scan was transformed into aclean and optimised 3D model, prepared for fabrication through additive manufacturing.

Resin 3D Printing and Finishing

The final digital model was produced usinglarge-format resin 3D printing with a Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K printer. Because of the size and complexity of the object, the printing process required careful preparation of orientation and support structures.

The decorative element, approximately40 cm long, requiredmore than 72 hours of continuous printingto complete. The result was a high-resolution resin replica capable of faithfully reproducing the geometry and ornamental detail of the original piece.

After printing, the replica underwent additionalpost-processing and conservation finishing. The surface of the printed element wasreinforced and protected with technical resins, improving the mechanical strength and durability of the object. Once consolidated, the replica waspainted to match the surrounding architectural surface, ensuring visual integration with the historic structure.

Finally, the reconstructed element wasreinserted into the original position within the cornice, replacing the missing decorative component and restoring the continuity of the architectural composition.

Digital Technologies in Architectural Restoration

This project illustrates how3D scanning, digital modelling, and resin 3D printingcan effectively support architectural conservation. Digital tools allow precise documentation and reconstruction of complex decorative elements, while traditional restoration expertise ensures that the final intervention respects the historical and material context of the monument.

By combiningdigital fabrication and conservation techniques, it becomes possible to recreate architectural elements that would be extremely difficult or time-consuming to reproduce through traditional methods alone.

The Palazzo Senatorio intervention demonstrates the growing role ofdigital heritage technologies in restoration practice, where the interaction between digital and physical processes opens new possibilities for preserving historic architecture while maintaining the authenticity and integrity of cultural heritage