What MetaMic does?

1. Selection of case studies:
By scientific choice, MetaMic only deals with Michelangelo’s unrealised projects that are sufficiently attested by the sources to attempt a three-dimensional reconstruction that is at least plausible.

2. Philological reconstruction of width, height and depth:
The fundamental dimensions of each case-study are established on the basis of graphic sources (autograph or non-autograph drawings, engravings, etc.), written sources (site accounts, correspondence, chronicles, etc.), and the objective dimensions of the places – some still existing – in which some of the projects were to fit. The numerous geometric irregularities in Michelangelo’s sketches were systematically brought back to symmetry. Two-dimensional graphics programmes (such as Photoshop or similar) were used for this phase, combined with manual drawing on paper.

3. Clarification of missing stylistic details:
Most of Michelangelo’s projects do not contain details of the architectural order; the missing mouldings were therefore drawn from scratch,
trying to limit arbitrariness as much as possible by referring to similar elements used by Michelangelo in the same years. This phase was conducted with traditional freehand drawing.

4. 2D vector drawing of plans, elevations and sections:
The manual drawings were redrawn in 2D in vector format (using CAD-type programmes), highlighting the many geometric inconsistencies of the philological reconstructions, which in turn were progressively refined through a process of virtuous feed-back;

5. Creation of the 3D model:
From 2D CAD files moved on to 3D files (with different programmes, such as Rhino), while continuing the feed-back with the philological reconstruction phase of dimensions and details. The files were subjected to specific processing in order to make it possible for them to be uploaded to ATON, with a view to their actual use by users.

6. Uploading to the ATON-CNR platform.