A Methodological Workflow for Cultural Heritage Management. The Case Study of Umbrian Castles

Over time, the definition of cultural heritage has undergone a constant process of evolution, now encompassing all components, both tangible and intangible, that synergistically contribute to the construction of the identity of places and communities. The need to document and preserve intangible cultural heritage also makes it essential to identify standardized methodologies for research and digitalization of cultural heritage. In this context, the visual paradigm, supported by integrated digital technologies, plays a crucial role in the management of cultural heritage. Current strategies for enhancement and communication employ information and communication technologies (ICT) in the processes of technical documentation and knowledge dissemination, offering the possibility to experiment with immersive experiences in digital environments that encourage community involvement in the active preservation of cultural assets, their history, and their memory. This shared participation in defining the value of heritage culminates in Heritage making, a collective discourse leading to the shared construction of cultural heritage. This article proposes and synthesizes a structured workflow for the management of cultural heritage, starting from the well-established phases of Heritage survey and cataloging and Heritage preservation and enhancement, passing through the process of Heritage presentation and interpretation, to reach community participation in the phase of Heritage making and sharing. The contribution exemplifies the application of the workflow to the case study of fortified architecture in Umbria.