Archival documentation and Informed Modeling. New opportunities for knowledge and enhancement of Architectural Archives

Abstract

The history of the Universal Exposition in Rome, known as “E42,” is connected to a period of sig­nificant political, social, cultural, and economic transformations at both national and international levels. It also coincided with profound changes in architecture, urban planning, design, and the emerging construction industry.

Like other major building projects of that era - such as the University City, the Foro Italico in Rome, and the new foundation cities at the national level - E42 represents a new way of understanding architecture, both from a design perspective and in terms of the entire construction process.

The relevant historical documentation is now preserved at the Central State Archive, a building whose location is an integral part of the original E42 project. A substantial portion of this documentation relates to architectural plans and projects.

The archive not only contains graphic documentation but also includes all the records that doc­ument the entire construction process - often complex, layered, and evolving over time. This documentation is essential for understanding a cultural heritage recognized as both material and immaterial.

The study therefore focuses on representing architecture as a visual language and a synthetic expression of ideas related to space and aesthetics. It considers new forms of digital representation - such as informed, parametric, and virtual perceptive models - that are crucial for an innovative use of archival materials. These tools can enhance our knowledge and understanding of this important historical asset.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.20365/disegnarecon.34.2025.9