The vaulted system of the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio in Milan: A cross-feature in the Basilica's life. Restoration and interpretation

The study of the construction of an historical building always includes several grades of complexity depending on the available sources and their accuracy, and on the interpretation of accessible information. This essay offers a novel integrated approach to the study of the construction history of the roof system of one of the greatest monuments in Milan: the Basilica of S. Ambrogio. Different types of vault are analyzed, using historical drawings and photos, archival documentation, geometrical and laser scanning surveys, aiming at narrating the construction history of the vaulted system of the church, which can be integrated with future studies and analysis. 3D models help the realization of hypotheses that are based on the existing literature, historical drawings and interpretations.