Virtual reconstruction of the east end of the Roman Forum — © Hyperallergic / Rome Reborn Project
New Technologies for the Promotion of Roman Artistic and Cultural Heritage
Prof.ssa Martina GattiThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Academic Year: 2025 / 2026
Some lessons will take place in the city center at the Associazione Culturale Sinopie office:
Piazza Margana 39, Rome
Please refer to the Timetable for updates on class locations.
Piazza Margana 39, Rome
Please refer to the Timetable for updates on class locations.
Course Overview
This course explores how innovative digital tools—such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), 3D scanning, and interactive storytelling—can enhance the communication and appreciation of cultural heritage. Through lectures, workshops, and immersive field visits, students will gain hands-on experience in designing and evaluating digital projects dedicated to the promotion of Roman artistic and archaeological heritage.
Course Schedule
| Date | Duration & Time | Topic / Activity | Location & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 November 2025 | 4 h (14:00–18:00) | Lesson 1 – Overview on the Virtual World Lecture and guided VR experience with “Back to the Past.” |
Piazza Margana 39 – Spazio Sinopie |
| 10 November 2025 | 4 h (14:00–18:00) | Lesson 2 – How Technologies Are Used to Promote Artistic and Archaeological Heritage Lesson and site visit at the Adrianeum with AR/VR experience. |
Piazza Margana 39 – Spazio Sinopie |
| 18 November 2025 | 3 h (14:00–17:00) | Lesson 3 – New Ways to Communicate Art in the Digital Transformation Lecture and interview with Skylab Studios. |
Università di Tor Vergata |
| 21 November 2025 | 8 h (Full day) | Project Work – Forte Sangallo, Civita Castellana Guided tour and collaborative workshop with the museum direction: storytelling and audio guide design. |
Forte Sangallo, Civita Castellana |
| 27 November 2025 | 3 h (15:00–18:00) | Project Work – Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella Guided tour with VR experience and final discussion with the site director. |
Parco dell’Appia Antica – Mausoleo di Cecilia Metella |
| 11 December 2025 | 4 h (14:00–18:00) | Lesson 4 – Virtuous Examples of New Technologies for Art and Culture Part I: Guided tour and case study with the app Unconventional Rome. Part II: Presentation by Doct. Chiara Quintavalla, recent graduate in the Master’s Degree in Art History at Tor Vergata under Prof. Gatti, who will present her thesis: “Innovative Technologies for Virtual Exhibitions: Retrieving Masterpieces from the Barberini Family’s Collection.” |
Piazza Margana 39 – Spazio Sinopie |
| 18 December 2025 | 4 h (14:00–18:00) | Final Project Session – Presentation and discussion of individual digital projects. | Piazza Margana 39 – Spazio Sinopie |
Assessment
- Oral exam on the topics addressed during the course (based on the provided bibliography).
- Individual project work focusing on the design or analysis of a digital heritage project.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand how AR, VR, and related technologies enhance the experience and communication of cultural heritage.
- Be able to design, plan, or evaluate digital cultural projects.
- Gain practical insights through collaboration with museums, studios, and cultural organizations.