Architectural Modelling of Alternatives for Verification of New Interventions on the Example of the Romanesque Palace at Spiš Castle in Slovakia

Abstract

The article presents the results of the first phase of the research project SK-VEGA 1/0951/16 on using transparent and translucent structures in historical buildings. The team of researchers from the Faculty of Architecture SUT Bratislava introduces possibilities of using lightweight roofs on the model example of a dominant medieval ruin (Romanesque Palace, Spiš Castle, UNESCO site). Architectural 3D-modelling of alternatives gains new methodical importance in conditions, when in real practice only safeguarding conservation approaches are preferred. Research based on design serves as a tool for decision-making on further restoration approaches to a specific cultural heritage object. The selected Romanesque Palace of the Spiš Castle has passed through many structural periods. The interior doesn’t exist and the perimeter walls create a raised landscape landmark. Romanesque, gothic and renaissance periods were identifiable. It would be possible to reconstruct these periods partially hypothetically on the basis of saved archive materials. Inner structures and the roofing of the palace were in individual historical periods changed. Exact frame models of a new roofing were created on the principle of hypothetical reconstruction: from the indication of the medieval form, renaissance form until contemporary new forms respecting the present day horizontal palace’s topping. The aim of the first stage of the research was to present a few architectural alternatives of the roof structure refilling according to the given cultural heritage determinants and structural possibilities. We introduce 12 solutions in graphic and text, which present architectural models of a new roofing, covering the interior by transparent structure based on glass panels and translucent structures based on a textile membrane. We achieve a new space for new functional use of the palace by means of various ways of physical enclosing. On the other side, we work with alternatives of the perimeter wall perforation according to the historical periods. New inserted structures are designed in contemporary technologies and materials. An analysis of particular architectural proposals is the result. The shape, material selection (steel, timber), roof support structure selection and choice of transparent or translucent covering are subordinated to the architectural concept of the historical period’s presentation including contemporaneousness. The solved problem was, how new interventions are able to visually coexist with historical original without diminishing its authenticity. Glazed and membrane structures used for covering authentic ruins request professional architectural modelling of alternatives based on exact historical facts. The decision making process is made easier by visualizations. Structural shapes issued from original tectonic rules (standard, order) appear from the point of visual and also monument restoration criteria more favourable than structural shapes, which were not inspired by these rules. Plane shaped glazed roof shapes from this point of view seem to be more intrinsic than rounded. On the other side, alternatives with use of textile membranes have soft shape morphology, which is beneficial for new and also historic shapes of roofing in this researched example.