CH representation between Monge's projections and Augmented Reality

The representation of complex architectures presents a strong connection with the increasingly massive use of 3D acquisition systems and virtual representations. These tools have changed the relationship between researchers and Cultural Heritage artefacts, deeply affecting their analysis and representation. In this evolutive framework, may orthogonal projections still play an effective role in the study of buildings, or are they can be entirely replaced by 3D virtual models? May these firsts be compared with the communication powerful shown in the field of Augmented Reality? Starting from a critical review on the concepts of "representation" and "complexity", the article aims to provide a possible answer to these questions, through the description of some case studies characterized by a similar spatial and functional complexity.