The paper analyses the case study of the medieval aqueduct of Perugia and its reuse as a pedestrian path. The study concerns the terminal section of the ancient aqueduct that is identified with the arches that rise in the historic centre of the city in the area known as the ‘Conca’. The remains of the aqueduct, which have survived the passage of time and are preserved in their new urban use, testify to the bond of interdependence between the water infrastructure and the city of Perugia, which has never failed over the course of seven centuries. The aqueduct, about 4 km long, dates back to the mid-thirteenth century and was built to carry water from Monte Pacciano to the Fontana Maggiore, in the heart of the historic centre of Perugia. The extraordinarily daring hydraulic work had a troubled life due to the frequent repairs that the municipality had to sustain and the effort it put into asking for opinions and solutions from various experts of the time. Due to ongoing functional and maintenance problems, the aqueduct was decommissioned in 1835 and replaced by a new one coming from Bagnara di Nocera Umbra and directed to the Monteripido reservoir. Today, the arches of the Conca are a pedestrian hanging street, Via dell’Acquedotto, which connects the historic centre with the Conca area and with Borgo Sant’Angelo, an appendix of the medieval expansion of the city towards the north. Despite the growth of the city, the aqueduct has been preserved as a pedestrian connection axis and still constitutes a persistent sign in the urban fabric of Perugia. Its importance as an element of identity for the city and its position constitute an interesting design opportunity to define future urban scenarios that could improve accessibility to the historic centre through the enhancement and expanded use of the medieval infrastructure.

Background: In architectural and urban planning research, selecting an appropriate research method is crucial, particularly in studies informed by cognitive sciences and environmental psychology. The choice of method directly influences the accuracy, reliability, and applicability of research findings. Aims: This article aims to examine the significance of method selection in architectural and urban studies and to provide a framework for applying neuroscience-based approaches in future research. Methods:This paper presents a methodological narrative review of studies that apply neuroscience‑based laboratory and simulation approaches to architectural research. The review covers publications between 2016 and 2024 identified through databases including Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect, following inclusion criteria focused on peer‑reviewed studies employing physiological or neuro‑cognitive measurements (EEG, fMRI, eye‑tracking, and VR simulations). A total of 59 papers were analyzed through a qualitative synthesis. Results: The review indicates that laboratory- and simulation-based methods produce more realistic and reliable findings in assessing environmental factors affecting human perception and behavior. Current research demonstrates the growing application of neuroscience approaches in architectural and urban studies. Conclusion: Selecting appropriate research methods, particularly laboratory- and simulation-based approaches, is essential for producing robust and applicable results in architecture and urban planning research. This study proposes a methodological framework to guide future research in this domain.

Il presente documento è stato prodotto nell’ambito del progetto REACT dell’Università di Firenze.

The contribution addresses some aspects that accompanied the fate of an architecture rich in ideas, materials, both traditional and modern. Designed by Cristiano Toraldo di Francia and Andrea Noferi, the Terminal was placed in an interesting yet complex context, bridging Santa Maria Novella station and the INA ASSITALIA Palace, two essentially coeval buildings but profoundly different in their architectural features. In front of it lies the square bordered by the imposing transept of Santa Maria Novella, while on the opposite side, the defining feature is the front section of the station's Palazzina Reale. Over a few years, the Terminal experienced progressive material decay and a sort of disaffection that led to its premature demolition. The contribution deals, in particular, with two aspects. The relationship between old and new, also considering that in this same area, in relation to this issue, there had been the extraordinary result of the Toscano Group Santa Maria Novella station, which seemed to seal the premise of a place destined for successful contemporary architectural experimentation. The other aspect addressed is the early degradation of some materials used, in relation to their application. Through these areas of reflection, we aim to contribute to understanding the reasons for the decline and oblivion of an architectural work born from an ambitious design.

In the complex network of fortifications of Cardinal Albornoz, erected between 1353 and 1367 in the territories of Umbria, the Rocca Minore of Assisi is part of the intricate palimpsest of fortifications that, together with the Rocca Maggiore, the city walls and gates, surrounds the medieval town of Assisi. Strategically positioned on Cappuccini Hill, this small fortress includes a single tower, a donjon, and a double perimeter wall enclosing a courtyard. Built in white and pink stone from Subasio Mountain, the ‘Rocchicciola’ offers a valuable view into Assisi's urban and military development.Starting from these premises, the paper aims at bridging some of the existing knowledge gaps about the Rocca Minore by examining its structural and architectural features through iconographic and cartographic sources. Additionally, it traces the fortress's evolution from the 14th to the 16th centuries by critically analyzing archival documents and published literature. Finally, the study delves into the physical aspects of the fortified architecture, exploring its materials, construction techniques, also with the use of original surveys.

About fifteen years after the “Parco Archeologico” of Cortona was opened, it was deemed necessary to launch an accurate and extensive campaign of study and documentation of the sites from which it consists. The study and the survey were started from the tumuli of Sodo and the tumulus of Camucia; the work was conducted with the aim of deepening the construction techniques and the state of conservation of these artifacts. Two main areas of decay emerged, one related to the not always effective control and protection from rainwater; the other concerns the structural problems of parts in condition of ruin, but also of intact rooms apparently in good state of conservation. In some cases, possible intervention solutions were also outlined. This research also aims to lay the foundations for the future development of a planned conservation, which is a key theme in archaeological sites.

Montecatini Terme, emblematic city for the close combination between thermal baths and urban structure, has been recently enrolled in the list of the Unesco Heritage. It becames particularly urgent to deepen the knowledge, in an appropriate way, of the building ensemble that can be considered the key features in the enrollement, for the purposes of their protection and safeguard. Among these, the Tettuccio bath assumes a particular relevance with regard to the complex architectural articulation, the richness of the decorative characteristics and the variety of the materials used. For this purpose, a laser scanner survey combined with photogrammetry was carried out, thus obtaining a high level of instrumental data, integrated by accurate in-place information. This approach highlighted the materials, traditional and modern, and the decay of the building, founded by the grand duke Pietro Leopoldo and almost completely refashioned about a century ago.

The original version of the article was published with errors in the text. The corrections are given below:

The construction techniques and concepts of the cathedrals of Pisa, Siena and Florence are examined in detail, based on new data and using a methodological architectural diagnostics approach. New detailed surveys, carried out using often advanced tools, together with direct and in-depth inspections to examine all parts of the buildings, have enabled us to identify the building phases and the different construction techniques used over time. The information thereby acquired also formed the basis for a new interpretation of the archival documents. Accordingly, the problems encountered and the solutions adopted in the three cathedrals have been understood: in Pisa the construction of the elliptical dome above the rectangular crossing consisting of six thin pillars below; in Siena the design changes from the first system in the 13th century to the 'Duomo Nuovo', and the structural adaptations following earthquakes; the specific construction solutions adopted in Florence during the instability encountered in the construction of the large vaults of the basilican body. The comparison of the three buildings in terms of architectural and construction solutions also revealed unexpected relationships between the construction events of Siena's Duomo Nuovo and the solutions then used in the large basilican body of Santa Maria del Fiore. The methodology employed has led to an understanding of the actual structure of the three cathedrals, an essential basis for a correct evaluation of the state of conservation of the churches for any restoration work. The book is aimed at scholars of architecture and ancient building structures, graduate and postgraduate students, and architects and engineers who plan architectural conservation and strengthening works for historical buildings.

The current study aimed to investigate the quality of the interior architecture of the religious spaces regarding inducing the sense of spirituality with an emphasis on light. Thus, the authors introduced the best option by simulating the light intensity of the interior environment of the Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque, Shiraz, in software and developing a visual standard questionnaire with a statistical population including the experts. This research was a field, and survey study and computational software were used to simulate the light intensity of the interior environment of the mosque in the first part. Then, the researcher-made visual questionnaire was developed. Also, this questionnaire was sent to the experts online due to the current situations due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The statistical population was selected using the purposive sampling method from the universities of Iran, Malaysia, India, and Turkey, whose expertise was architecture, environmental psychology, and sacred arts.

The construction techniques and concepts of the cathedrals of Pisa, Siena and Florence are examined in detail, based on new data and using a methodological architectural diagnostics approach. New detailed surveys, carried out using often advanced tools, together with direct and in-depth inspections to examine all parts of the buildings, have enabled us to identify the building phases and the different construction techniques used over time. The information thereby acquired also formed the basis for a new interpretation of the archival documents. Accordingly, the problems encountered and the solutions adopted in the three cathedrals have been understood: in Pisa the construction of the elliptical dome above the rectangular crossing consisting of six thin pillars below; in Siena the design changes from the first system in the 13th century to the ‘Duomo Nuovo’, and the structural adaptations following earthquakes; the specific construction solutions adopted in Florence during the instability encountered in the construction of the large vaults of the basilican body. The comparison of the three buildings in terms of architectural and construction solutions also revealed unexpected relationships between the construction events of Siena’s Duomo Nuovo and the solutions then used in the large basilican body of Santa Maria del Fiore. The methodology employed has led to an understanding of the actual structure of the three cathedrals, an essential basis for a correct evaluation of the state of conservation of the churches for any restoration work. The book is aimed at scholars of architecture and ancient building structures, graduate and postgraduate students, and architects and engineers who plan architectural conservation and strengthening works for historical buildings.

The Engineering Department of the University of Perugia and the Architecture Department of the University of Florence have started a research project on the ancient city gates of Perugia, belonging to the Etruscan city, dating between the third and second centuries b.C., and to the subsequent city wall completed in the twelfth century. In this paper, focus is placed on three Etruscan gates - Porta Eburnea (also called Porta della Mandorla), Porta Cornea and Porta Trasimena – which have in common profound Middle Age transformations and further significant context changes following the loss of function as defensive walls. Due to the decommissioning of this urban infrastructure, the gates have assumed a marginal role; nowadays they are almost completely absorbed by residential buildings, almost losing the memory of their origins and of the important Etruscan remains that are still preserved in the gates. Geomatic surveys on the three Etruscan gates were carried out by the Geomatics Laboratory of Perugia University in the frame of a research project financed by the Cassa di Risparmio di Perugia Foundation. The survey was carried out by means of a coordinated use of more Geomatic techniques: GNSS, Total Station, Terrestrial LIDAR and Digital Photogrammetry. From LIDAR and photogrammetry were derived dense point clouds, beside CAD plans, sections and elevations. The information acquired with these detailed surveys provide a completely new and accurate documentary evidence of the gates’ consistency, allowing to identify the actions and interventions that have changed their structure over time.

The parish church of "Santa Maria" is considered one of the most important medieval buildings of Arezzo Although the church is attested from 11th century, it is between the 13th and 14th centuries that reached its current consistency, characterized by the particular facade with small columns on several levels and an imposing bell tower. Later, from the 16th to the 18th century, the church underwent profound transformations, that were almost completely erased by extensive restoration works in the second half of the 19th century. The architectural survey of the parish church of "Santa Maria" was carried out with a phase-shift laser scanner and a digital reflex camera (Z+F 5006h). 189 scans were performed for generating the 3D model of the church: 180 of them with high density and normal quality, lasting 5-6 minutes; the remaining ones with super high density and high quality, lasting 13-14 minutes. Vectorial drawings of plans and sections were then created from the 3D model. Thanks to laser scanner survay of the chuch, it was possible to highlight the singularity of the structure of the basilical body and the transept. The tilt of walls and columns, the variations in the thickness of the walls, the considerable deformations of some arches, the cracks and textures of the wall facing were thus shown. The information obtained attested an architectural structure created by complex construction events that over time have affected this building. The cnstructive singularities involve the medieval genesis of the building, the transformations during the following centuries and the following restoration works. These composite features are specific and common to every ancient building. This peculiar epistemological condition eschews from simplifications and requires deep and complex studies closely linked to the problems of conservation of the structures.

The current study aims to examine the effect of age and gender of users on spirituality by using an experiment. Literature believes that age and gender have a huge effect on increased or decreased spirituality. The current study aims to examine these theories by a scientific and rational method and using cognitive neuroscience (recording electroencephalograph). In order to do this, an electroencephalograph was recorded for 45 users. Findings show that there is a significant relationship between age and gender of users and spirituality (F = 4.1, p < 0.05) (F = 3.8, p < 0.05). Results showed that users at older ages reached spirituality sooner. Thus, it can be said in regard to the relationship between age and formation/improvement of spirituality that users at older ages reach spirituality sooner than users at younger ages. Results of data analysis showed that alpha and theta brain signals increased in male students at the 30–35 age range; while this increase was slower at the 20–29 age range.

Religious buildings have a significant role in Muslims' culture. The architects have developed some features in designing such buildings that create a unique sense of comfort and spiritual state in humans. By more precise examination of the spiritual sense whose results are in mental health for the audience, the paper tried to analyze the impact of buildings with religious characteristics on the brain functioning of the people using such buildings. The results showed that seeing the interior of the mosque building strongly affects the brainwaves associated with peace and spiritual sense that proves "The relaxation and spiritual sense."