La Documentazione del patrimonio architettonico come strumento per la conoscenza e la valorizzazione dei paesi del Casentino

The REACT research project addresses the study of Italy's internal areas with an interdisciplinary approach based on the concept of cultural landscape. This approach integrates various aspects, such as settlements, architecture, agricultural landscapes, natural systems, and community practices. The research has focused on the cultural regeneration of Casentino, a mountainous valley in northern Tuscany, which represents a historically and scenically significant territory characterized by a rich architectural heritage spanning from the Etruscan era to the 19th century. The conservation and enhancement of this heritage constitute a crucial challenge for the future of the region, both from a cultural perspective and in terms of sustainable development. Existing studies highlight the importance of digital documentation for the preservation of architectural assets, particularly regarding advanced survey technologies such as 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry. Previous research has analyzed individual buildings and monumental complexes, emphasizing the need for a systematic approach to understanding the interconnections between the built heritage and the surrounding landscape (Bertocci et al., 2012; Apollonio et al., 2024). However, a comprehensive and structured census of the entire architectural heritage of the valley was lacking, which could provide a solid knowledge base for its conservation and enhancement. The research was based on an extensive digital survey campaign initiated in 2009, employing advanced metric-morphological documentation tools. The investigations included 3D surveys of villages, castles, and historic parish churches, with a particular focus on the Pieve a Socana, the Castello dei Conti Guidi in Poppi, and other smaller settlements. The interdisciplinary approach integrated the analysis of traditional construction techniques with innovative digital tools, fostering a dialogue between historical knowledge and new technologies. The data processing enabled the production of thematic maps, three-dimensional models, and conservation status analyses, providing concrete support for the planning of restoration and enhancement interventions. The adoption of digital survey technologies has helped fill gaps in the knowledge of Casentino’s architectural heritage, offering a replicable methodology for other internal areas of Italy. The interdisciplinary approach of the REACT research project has facilitated the development of models for the management and enhancement of cultural heritage, demonstrating how digital documentation can support the regeneration of historic villages and encourage the participation of local communities. A significant example is the survey of the village of Quota, which led to concrete urban regeneration projects in collaboration with local authorities and regional associations.