The Brancacci Chapel in Florence is at the heart of Italy’s participation in the European AccesS project, “Enhancing Accessibility and Sustainability in Smart Cities and Smart Buildings: The Universal Accessibility Suite Initiative,” an initiative funded by the Horizon Europe program that aims to make historic buildings and urban spaces increasingly accessible, inclusive, and sustainable through the use of innovative technologies. The results of the pilot project were presented in the Tuscan capital and include a series of interventions designed to enhance the visitor experience without compromising the preservation of the frescoes. Among the main innovations are a new lighting system, environmental and visitor flow monitoring systems, ergonomic seating for the transept area, and a tactile panel dedicated to the scene of the Healing of the Cripple and the Resurrection of Tabitha, created by the University of Florence to promote accessibility for blind and visually impaired people. The project involves six pilot sites across Europe, but the Brancacci Chapel represents a unique case: here, digital solutions are being applied to a cultural asset of extraordinary historical and artistic value, reconciling technological innovation with heritage preservation. Before work began, an extensive process of consultation and needs assessment was carried out, involving associations, visitors, museum staff, conservators, researchers, and representatives of people with disabilities. This dialogue identified specific needs, which were then translated into concrete solutions such as multisensory tours, tactile aids, video guides in Italian Sign Language (LIS), more accessible communication, and dedicated services. Between 2025 and 2026, sensors were installed to monitor temperature, humidity, air quality, and pollutant concentrations, as well as devices capable of detecting visitor flows and dwell times in a completely anonymous manner. The systems process only numerical data, without capturing images. The information collected will make it possible to correlate environmental conditions with visitor presence and the
Florence: The Brancacci Chapel Becomes More Accessible Thanks to <b>Smart</b> Technologies ...
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