ArcheOfficina performs preventive archaeology work in accordance with the national legislation inherent to the protection and enhancement of Cultural Heritage (Art. 25 of Legislative Decree 50/2016 and Regional Law 12/2011), which guarantees the control of Archaeological Superintendencies on all preliminary projects of infrastructure and public works. In addition to being part of the lists of official suppliers of the Public Administrations and Public Bodies for the protection of Archaeological Heritage scattered throughout Sicily, the Society is registered in the ministerial list of operators qualified to draw up the archaeological assessment document in the preliminary project of public works (Art. 10 of Law No. 60 of 2009), and its members are registered in the ANA, National Register of Archaeologists. Specifically, the Preventive Verification of Archaeological Interest (VPIA) involves thorough archival historical research and topographical reconnaissance, including making use of the reading and interpretation of aerial photos. The results of such investigations are also used to draw up archaeological risk maps. The assessment of archaeological interest may be followed, if required, by field verification operations with stratigraphic surveys (assays or exploratory trenches) or non-invasive in-depth geophysical investigations (georadar surveys, EM, etc.). All of this is done by having in-house specialized personnel and making use of the cooperation of experienced professionals in the field. The use of these techniques ensures a quick and accurate assessment of archaeological risk and its possible impact on a project. It thus turns out to be possible to schedule subsequent work steps accordingly and save on execution costs.

Emergency Archaeological Excavation

ArcheOfficina is involved in all aspects of archaeological investigation, from assisting in works involving earthmoving, which often result in emergency archaeology, to extensive excavation. The Society can directly design and take care of every aspect of the archaeological investigation, both in the field and during the subsequent reprocessing of the collected data. The technical director of the Company meets the technical and scientific requirements of the law no. 110 of 2014 and DM 244 of 2019 guaranteeing professionalism, reliability and scientific dignity. Special care is given to the delicate stages of documentation, through the use of traditional direct surveying as well as modern equipment (total station, gps, photogrammetric filming) that ensure accuracy and optimization of time. Finally, it is able to provide the client with an excellent technical-scientific report on the investigations carried out, complete with historical and topographical framework, stratigraphic unit sheets, georeferenced plans and sections, photographic reports and summary tables of the data acquired.

Archaeological surveillance

The Company is present within several construction sites, both public and private, in which a specialized archaeologist has been required to supervise all work activities involving excavation and earthmoving. In cooperation with local superintendencies, this activity enables them to assist in heritage protection for the relevant agencies, while offering construction companies professional and rapid data collection work by taking care of relations with the superintendencies.