In 2015, the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo and the Politecnico di Milano signed an agreement, in effect until 2027, aimed at preserving and enhancing the historical and artistic heritage of Milan Cathedral.

The research activities mainly focus on three strategic areas of interest for planning, managing, and safeguarding the building:

• analysis of the current state and development of best practices for the temple's conservation;
• technical and scientific support for the continuous monitoring of the Duomo;
• research and experimentation with innovative technical solutions for the enhancement of the building.

These activities have led to various initiatives, including the conservation plan, BIM surveying, static and dynamic monitoring, environmental monitoring, structural verification, and thermographic testing.

Thanks to the multidisciplinary expertise of the university, a digitization program was launched to map the geometric, material, environmental, physical, and mechanical components of the Fabbrica, in support of both ordinary and extraordinary maintenance activities.

Advanced tools for surveying, monitoring, and digitization have been developed and applied, such as parametric information models for mapping heritage collections, along with new methodologies for the digital preservation and use of cultural assets.

With the tool — and Polimi patent — Ant3D, previously inaccessible areas of the Duomo have been digitized. This tool has also enabled the digitization of other important sites, including:

• the bell towers of the Cathedral of Aosta;
• the galleries of the Serpentino Widespread Museum Park in Val Malenco;
• the Castagneta Tower of San Vigilio Castle in Bergamo;
• the Basilica of Sant’Andrea in Mantua;
• and the ancient soapstone quarries of the Piuro Geomineral Park, to name just a few.

The project has generated significant developments for the departments involved, both nationally and internationally: publications, research contracts, patents, and the opening of new markets.