Dissonant Heritage and Digital Practices. Enhancing Material Conservation and Memorial Narratives

Abstract. This paper addresses the theme of Dissonant Heritage associated with armed and interpretative conflicts, within the framework of the Co.Co.War PRIN project. The aims to evaluate how digital technologies can support the knowledge production, interpretation, and public engagement of sensitive legacies, while mediating between preservation needs and plural narratives. An integrated digital-heritage methodology is proposed, including GIS-based technologies, advanced surveying techniques, 3D modelling and printing. The approach is tested through two complementary applications: an open-access geo-app mapping dissonant heritage across EU and non-EU contexts, and a site-specific case study focusing on the Former House of the Fascist Party in Predappio (Italy). By linking territorial analysis with digital and physical outputs, the study highlights the potential of digitalization to facilitate negotiation and re-signification processes for contested heritage, support conservation-oriented decision-making, and foster new forms of critical access and community participation.