Morpho-architectural analysis, constructive modalities and structural diagnostics for the restoration of the Church of SS Bartholomew and Stephen in Bergamo

Today, the final purpose of historical buildings’ conservation seems having lost importance in the common consciousness, to lead at times to the point of not remember the reason for undertaking such activities. As a result, the instruments offered by technological progress are often undervalued in terms of the beneficial contribution that they can provide to the comprehension, preservation and enhancement of architecture. In the case study of the Church of SS Bartholomew and Stephen in Bergamo, 3D laser scanning combined with traditional techniques of investigation and diagnosis has allowed achieving a new monument’s awareness, under the morphological and constructive point of views. In particular, it has helped the understanding of the precarious conditions of stability of the roofing. In addition to a widespread state of degradation and failure of some timber elements, the roof presents problems related to the linking between the individual components of the first and second array, the connections and support on the pillars and to the backing to the perimeter masonry cornices. Multi-levels analysis facilitated the comprehension of the overall behavior of coverage structure as well as of other technical parts, in order to prefigure timely restoration of the wooden elements. Finally yet importantly, they highlighted exceptional architectural and decorative characteristics, which are already, themselves, cultural values that deserve protection and transmission to future generation.