DentroTrento: an Example of application of Computer Graphics to the Evolution of the Archaeological site of Tridentum

Abstract

This paper illustrates the DentroTrento project, commissioned by the local authority for Cultural Heritage, which has lead to the creation of an edutainment system for the visitors of an archaeological site in the town of Trento. In particular, the aim of the project was to enhance the didactic and entertaining potential of a Roman archaeological site which is located between the Theatre’s foundations through the development of a computer graphics-based application capable of high visual and emotional impact. This has been made possible through the creation of an interactive system where the virtual reconstruction becomes the main means of guiding the visitor through a virtual walk across time. The relevance of the work illustrated is underlined by the profile of the project and the nature and importance of the site, which is located underground below a square. In fact this circumstance does not let the visitor perceive the urban outline of the roman town nor it lets visitors fully perceive, through the use of traditional teaching material, the way of life typical of the time. The system proposed instead engages the visitor into a more exciting experience replicating, not only the architecture, but the way of life of the Roman town. The scope of the project together with the heterogeneity of the working team has required a rigorous approach to the management of the entire project.