We believe that data and design are the keys to understanding the most complex systems—and few systems are more complex and richer than our shared cultural heritage. That’s why we are thrilled to have contributed to the latest issue of Civiltà dei Dati, the journal by Fondazione Leonardo that promotes technological humanism by blending science, innovation, and culture.
The latest issue, No. 3 (October), is dedicated entirely to the critical theme of Digital Archives. Curated by journalist Jaime d’Alessandro, the edition features insightful contributions from leading figures in ethics and technology, including Luciano Floridi and Paolo Benanti.
Our own Matteo Bonera’s contribution to this issue focuses on what we call “The Trittico”: three pivotal data visualization projects centered on the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Dante Alighieri.
This article highlights how digital humanities and, specifically, data visualization are fundamentally transforming our connection to cultural heritage. These projects move beyond simple digital reproductions; they are living, interactive archives that demonstrate the immense power of data viz for three distinct audiences:
- Scholars: providing new insights into textual and artistic patterns.
- Students: offering engaging, accessible tools for learning and exploration.
- The general public: transforming complex historical information into intuitive stories.
From decoding the complexities of Leonardo’s notebooks to visualizing the structure of Dante’s Divine Comedy and analyzing Raphael’s artistic legacy, “The Trittico” showcases a journey where data transcends storage and becomes a dynamic tool for knowledge, preservation, and discovery.
The work featured in Civiltà dei Dati is a powerful reminder that architecture and archives are no longer just about physical space or static files; they are about systems, data, and the future of how we interact with the past. We encourage you to explore the latest issue of Civiltà dei Dati from Fondazione Leonardo.
