The Digital Atlas: Structure, Information, Interoperability of Physical and Digital Models

Abstract

This paper presents the “Digital Atlas”, an open, three-layer platform developed within the TECH4YOU PP 4.7.1 framework to connect climate-change scenarios with the practical implementation of regenerative design strategies. It integrates advanced digital prototyping, a “parametric pipeline”, which refers to computational workflow linking climate data to design rules, and additive manufacturing to produce and verify site-specific Nature-Based Solutions, based on IPCC RCP 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. Tested in the Grecanica area (Palazzo Mesiani, Bova; Palizzi Marina), the Digital Atlas structure, informations and interoperability addresses multi-scale climate challenges, from localized architectural conservation under thermal stress to urban-scale risks such as flooding, coastal erosion, and sea level rise. Eco-Reef modules made of mussel-shell-enriched biocement demonstrated rapid biofilm formation after three weeks, validating the “phygital approach”, the iterative integration of physical and digital models. The integrated Decision Support System (DSS) provides actionable information for zero-carbon transitions and resilient development. The Atlas offers a replicable methodology to Mediterranean coastal communities, promoting ecological regeneration, preservation of cultural and natural heritage, and active/passive decarbonization processes while illustrating how digital-physical interoperability an accelerate climate adaptation.