3-D Digital Modeling and Giuliano da Sangallo's Designs for Santa Maria delle Carceri in Prato

Abstract

In 3-D Digital Modeling and Giuliano da Sangallo’s Designs for Santa Maria delle Carceri in Prato, Sabine Frommel, Marco Gaiani, and Simone Garagnani examine one of the most representative central-plan churches of Renaissance Italy. Their study is based on the examination of an original drawing by the architect of Santa Maria delle Carceri, Giuliano da Sangallo, as well as several recent technical surveys of the existing building. Introducing a specific methodology based on documents, reference studies, and digital three-dimensional models, the authors reconstruct Sangallo’s design methods by comparing the volume and proportions of the church as documented in the drawing against the building as it stands today. By making use of a digital reconstruction of the building generated through a series of 3-D models, they are able to shed light on Sangallo’s original design concepts as they were applied to the church prior to subsequent alterations.