Rilievo e disegno analogico, bene infungibile per la lettura compositiva interoperabile: l’esempio della cattedrale di Albenga

This paper investigates the relationship among the knowledge-generated processes by traditional survey and restitution and those produced by digital surveying through BIM modeling, in order to critically read the composition of buildings. The recent scientific literature describes the efficiency of the digital model for the construction of knowledge, challenging the analog representation according to information availability criteria. However, it remains unclear the identification of the methods, in BIM modeling, for the definition of an architectural and structural model of monumental buildings. Furthermore, it is necessary to clarify the role of two-dimensional representation for wall textures, of statuary, as elements that characterize, in aesthetic and informative terms, traditional restitutions. The relationship between methods and results between analog and digital paths is developed in the text through the case study of the cathedral of Albenga. Such a complex building, whose main transformations are described, leads the discussion towards a critical description of the contents of the representations. This thus demonstrates some key steps of digitization, in particular with reference to construction elements, proposing a mixed use between point cloud relief and BIM model.