Digital Workflows for the Interpretation and Presentation of Railway Heritage

Abstract. In the domain of digital applications for museums and cultural institutions, visual and cinematic technologies provide a rich array of tools and techniques for transforming complex scientific concepts into engaging and accessible narratives for diverse, non-specialist audiences. The article illustrates a digital presentation workflow that harnesses the interpretive power of 3D reconstructive modeling and cinematic virtual reality (VR). Designed for use across various hardware and software platforms, this approach aims to improve the dissemination of knowledge and enhance public understanding of railway heritage. The discussion is grounded in a significant case study: the A.C.E. (Apparato Centrale Elettrico) cabin at Rome Termini Station, a landmark of Italian railway heritage currently being transformed into a museum. The article details the adopted workflow and the results of one of the immersive experiences developed specifically for this new exhibition space. At the heart of this experience is a permanent installation located in the former A.C.E. cabin, which reconstructs the unrealized architectural project for Termini Station envisioned by Angiolo Mazzoni (1894–1979). Within the interdisciplinary framework of the initiative, the project integrates historical research, AIassisted modelling, and agile development practices. This combination enables the creation of compelling, historically validated narratives that enhance interpretation and foster emotional engagement with railway heritage and its broader cultural and historical context.