ART WORLD AND VIRTUAL REALITY: SANT’ANNA SCHOOL PERCRO LAB. 3D IMAGERY OF “LE CARCERI – IMAGINARY PRISONS” By GIOVANNI BATTISTA PIRANESI AT PALAZZO BRASCHI - ROME

The 3D imagery of the Piranesi's series of etchings of imaginary prisons, Le Carceri, has been released yesterday in Rome - Palazzo Braschi. Giovanni Battista Piranesi, was a Venetian architect, draughtsman and printmaker, his most famous “Vedute di Roma” views are of the ruins of ancient Roma. The imaginary prisons “Le Carceri”, ever since they were published, have inspired designers and architects. As digital technology evolves, 3D data processing, texturing & rendering is a method of preserving cultural heritage artefacts and it provided an accessible platform to “Le Carceri”.

The “Piranesi. La fabbrica dell’utopia” virtual exhibition is at the Palazzo Braschi, until October 15. The Percro Lab. created a 3D video: virtual visitors to the exhibition can use the VR headset to view 360-degree Piranesi's prison interiors. It is a chance to look beyond their imaginary spaces that have a dark vitality; they are an impossible place where imagination can wander without limits or contexts, a place that exists on two planes simultaneously.

“Art and VR technology combination is challenging – said Marcello Carrozzino,a researcher at the Percro Lab. - This project demanded the application of digital image processing, geometric transformations and sound effects tools to provide an enhanced visual experience and engage museum visitors in exciting audio immersive experiences. These experiences transport visitors to a three-dimensional world where they are able to become part of the Piranesi’s art”.

The project was coordinated by Professor Massimo Bergamasco, director of TeCIP Institute, Marcello Carrozzino and Chiara Evangelista. Museum platform was created by the team ACE of Percro Lab. including Cristian Lorenzini, Pietro Salerno and Marina Tanaka.

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