Digitisation, 3D modelling and digital fabrication: an accessibility project for MAO in Turin

The activities presented are part of the project PNRR M1C3-3 aimed at removing physical and cognitive barriers in museums and public cultural places. In the first phase, curatorial investigation of the artefacts and documentary research flank digital survey through photogrammetry and structure-from-motion (SfM) technology. The interpretive phase includes 3D modelling and texturing of the artworks through the creation of high-poly and low-poly models, the result of digital twins that can be used in the conservation and restoration project, and the production of physical replicas for the expansion of the museum experience from a Design for All perspective. The third phase of presentation, communication, sharing, and interaction with the public involves the creation, through digital fabrication processes, of physical models in full or 1:2 scale, depending on the actual size of the object about the object's manipulability aims. The models, printed in polylactic acid (PLA) by the Departmental Labs at the Politecnico di Torino, take on a prototype meaning and are made for tactile enjoyment for the hypo- and visually-impaired and, in general, for inclusive communication for different age groups and users. Such objects may, in particular, be used with an educational function for younger age groups. At the same time, the optimised digital models may form the basis for 3D printing with materials able to restore the characteristics of the original materials, made by specialised firms.