Sicilian Landscape and A-structural Architecture from Survey to Virtual Reconstruction: the Case of Calaforno Hypogeum

The present paper is focused on a unique a-structural complex of the hypogeum of Calaforno and the surrounding landscape. The recent “rediscovery” of this hypogeum, thanks to many excavations and survey activities led by the University of Catania and the Superintendence BB.CC.AA. of Ragusa, allows a new reading of the monument and of its surrounding landscape. Starting from the prehistoric and protohistoric periods, a central idea utilized in the planning of the land use is evident at this site, which led us to read the hypogeism phenomenon as a peculiar marker of this area. The new studies of the hypogeum allow a rereading of its long history and its several usage phases, particularly in the light of its relationship with the neighboring landscape, features which underwent continuous transformation over the centuries. The characteristics of this type of architecture and the necessity of a more efficient communication in archaeology have led to the choice of a new approach of survey and analysis of this monument. The documentation and communication goals have been stressed in order to obtain a product by the laser scanning documentation able to read chronological articulations of the architecture; to document the actual condition and the possible degradation of the monument; to identify special architectural features and traces which are difficult to observe with the traditional survey activities; to make the monument visible also remotely; etc. The goal has been not only to obtain new and more accurate scientific results, but also to enable the site, labelled until today as “minor”, to make an impact on the study of the landscape in a more meaningful and exhaustive way.