Le fornaci romane di Pollentia-Urbs Salvia (Urbisaglia-MC): un modello di fruizione immersiva per il patrimonio archeologico

This research showcases the use of immersive digital technologies to enhance cultural heritage engagement, focusing on the archaeological site of Urbs Salvia, Italy. The project uses Virtual Reality (VR) to reconstruct and narrate the ancient ceramic production kilns of Pollentia-Urbs Salvia. The implemented activity aligns with the goals of the European Adrion TRANSFER project, ensuring a coherent and sustainable strategy for the archaeological park site. Through interdisciplinary methods, the team developed a Virtual Immersive Movie (VIM) combining detailed 3D modeling, texturing, and simulations with cinematic greenscreen footage. The virtual environment, designed for Meta Quest 3 headsets, includes both passive storytelling and active user interaction, enabling participants to explore reconstructed spaces and understand the ceramic production process. Advanced techniques in Blender and Unity ensured a realistic and engaging experience. User testing with 33 participants revealed high satisfaction rates regarding usability, visual appeal, and narrative clarity, with minimal instances of discomfort. The project sets a benchmark for integrating digital tools in cultural heritage, transforming traditional archaeological presentation into an accessible, immersive format. Future developments include expanding interactivity, incorporating gaming elements, and integrating AI-driven language models for multilingual real-time interaction, fostering inclusivity and sustainable heritage promotion.