Phd in HISTORY, REPRESENTATION AND RESTORATION OF ARCHITECTURE

Thesis title: Per una Enciclopedia grafica digitale di un patrimonio complesso: Ouro Preto a Minas Gerais, Br.

This thesis demonstrates the importance of digital documentation in enhancing, preserving, and communicating the architectural heritage of the Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Homens Pretos in Ouro Preto, one of the greatest examples of colonial architecture and historical culture in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The research is based on the hypothesis that the use of advanced technologies and a multidisciplinary methodological approach are crucial tools for ensuring the conservation and understanding of architectural heritage. The project involves creating a Graphic Encyclopedia that combines heterogeneous digital models—texts, 2D, and 3D drawings—to standardize the process of data collection and organization, making them accessible to different types of users. This tool represents not only accurate documentation but also a replicable model for other cultural assets. In its initial chapters, the thesis places the church within the historical and cultural context of Ouro Preto, highlighting its social and symbolic value for collective memory. The technical analysis employs tools such as 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry, enabling precise documentation of the building's complex geometry and decoration. This phase goes beyond recording the church's current state, providing an in-depth analysis of the proportions and elliptical curves that define its Baroque aesthetic. A comparison with the Church of São Pedro dos Clérigos, in the nearby city of Mariana and designed by the same architect, helped bridge documentation gaps and hypothesize design intentions through comparative analysis. The final chapter introduces an interactive graphic encyclopedia, an innovative tool for preservation and dissemination. Structured as a navigable PDF, this educational and accessible resource is intended for a diverse audience, from scholars to enthusiasts. The research’s future perspectives focus on using digital documentation as a cornerstone for preserving and enhancing cultural heritage. In a context of growing attention to heritage preservation in Brazil, the study proposes replicable models for other historical buildings and promotes the creation of interactive digital archives. Technologies such as three-dimensional models and digital platforms can engage local communities in safeguarding their heritage, strengthening cultural identity through increased knowledge and awareness. Finally, openness to international collaborations suggests a future in which the preservation and enhancement of Brazilian architectural heritage can benefit from multidisciplinary and multicultural contributions, enriching the global narrative of architectural history.