As part of the structural rehabilitation project for Gjirokastra Castle, work was carried out in collaboration with the architectural firm Cultural Heritage without Borders (CHwB) to develop a comprehensive technical intervention on one of the most significant fortified complexes in southern Albania, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The project focused on an exhaustive assessment of the structural condition of the site, as a necessary step prior to its consolidation and heritage enhancement. A wide-ranging campaign of graphic and constructive documentation was conducted, including high-precision 3D laser scanning, development of geometric models, and stratigraphic analysis—fundamental tools for understanding the historical and constructive evolution of the complex.
In parallel, a detailed characterisation of structural and material pathologies was carried out, alongside a campaign of non-destructive testing (NDT) to assess the mechanical performance of walls, vaults, and towers. Techniques included ultrasound testing, ground-penetrating radar, and infrared thermography. One of the key milestones of the project was the comprehensive seismic assessment of the entire fortress, using advanced structural modelling (FEM) and vulnerability analysis in the face of seismic events. The findings enabled the definition of an intervention strategy compatible with the site's heritage values, aimed at structural stabilisation, material conservation, and improved safety for its future use as a cultural and tourism infrastructure.
