Publications
Evaluation of Calcarenite Degradation by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Analysis inside the Rupestrian Church of San Pietro Barisano (Matera, Southern Italy)
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis reveals distinct degradation products on the calcarenite surfaces of San Pietro Barisano, a rupestrian church within Matera's UNESCO-listed Sassi district. This study identifies biotic and abiotic degradation indicators, offering a diagnostic framework for preserving such heritage sites. By comparing degraded samples to reference calcarenite, researchers link findings to local environmental factors and historical context, enabling targeted conservation strategies under the National Smart Cities research project.
La conoscenza per il recupero dei ‘valori’ del passato: il caso della chiesa della Madonna delle Vergini a Matera
The Church of the Madonna delle Vergini, a 16th-century rupestrian church within Matera’s UNESCO-listed Park of the Rupestrian Churches, stands as a living testament to the region's historical and cultural evolution. This study highlights its role as a fragile yet invaluable repository of ancient traditions, now largely lost, which are critical for understanding the interplay between human settlement and natural landscapes in the Sassi district. By employing multidisciplinary analysis, researchers aim to recover these intangible and material values, offering new pathways for preserving and appreciating Matera’s religious and rupestrian heritage. The approach underscores the necessity of integrating historical, artistic, and archaeological perspectives to inform sustainable conservation strategies that balance past significance with contemporary enjoyment.
The Integrated Survey for Excavated Architectures: The Complex of Casalnuovo District Within the World Heritage Site “Sassi” (Matera, Italy)
A unique urban phenomenon in Matera, Italy, characterized by the volumetric material identity and special construction conditions of its excavated architectures, has been identified. This phenomenon, developed over time under stable environmental conditions, showcases a spontaneous harmonious balance between building artifacts and their calcareous host texture. The study employed an integrated survey approach using non-destructive techniques such as digital photogrammetry, total station, laser scanner, and thermography to create a three-dimensional computer model. This model aids in the diagnosis and preservation of the integrity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, combining traditional and innovative methods within a dialectic between memory and design.
Landslide susceptibility assessment by using a neuro-fuzzy model: a case study in the Rupestrian heritage rich area of Matera
A novel neuro-fuzzy model successfully mapped landslide susceptibility in the UNESCO-listed Natural Archaeological Park of Matera, Italy. This approach combined neural network training with fuzzy logic to analyze slope instability parameters—such as curvature, elevation, lithology, and fracture density—and produced a high-accuracy susceptibility map validated through ROC analysis, confusion matrix, and SCAI methods. The model outperformed traditional techniques by integrating sensitivity analysis to address uncertainties in membership functions, offering a robust tool for heritage risk assessment in complex, rupestrian landscapes.
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