Reconstructive Architectural and Urban Digital Modelling

The digital reconstruction of contemporary architectural and urban complexes which were demolished, transformed or have been only theorically conceived, remaining 'on paper', is now a tool of considerable heuristic value, allowing to preserve, interpret and create new images of cultural heritages that no longer exist in their original shape or never reached a material construction. This chapter reviews methods and techniques of digital reconstruction, through an overview of the international theoretical statements, and then the author explores the potentials of three-dimensional reconstruction and the prerogatives of animation in the interaction with three-dimensional data. The examination of several international case studies, and also some experiences personally conducted highlights the different strategies used for the preservation of the memory of such heritage.