Abstract
Architectural heritage preservation and sustainability need advanced graphic techniques in order to document and understand the disposition/composition of plaster muqarnas, a fragile construction element. The muqarnas are key elements in the Nasrid architecture developed during the 14th century in the Alhambra complex, nowadays part of World Heritage. As a case study, this analysis focuses on the muqarnas pendentives of the Sala de la Barca in the Comares Palace. After examining both explanations and drawings published by architects Jones and Goury from 1842 to 1845, our research provides new drawings (plans and elevations) derived from laser scanner technology. Theoretically, though muqarnas are composed of simple geometrical shapes, these new drawings unveil important deformations hitherto unknown, and which have not been studied yet by other bibliographic references. Finally, we provide some considerations about the causes of these deformations and the monument sustainability across the time and the images’ capacity to show the muqarnas complex shapes in a reliable way.
Highlights
Drawing is an element essential to attain the preservation and sustainability of architectural heritage
Muqarnas are one of the most admired elements in the 14th century Nasrid architecture found in the Alhambra
Little is known of the muqarnas complex process of 3-D geometrical construction, starting from very simple pieces, since only simple shapes were available
Summary
Drawing is an element essential to attain the preservation and sustainability of architectural heritage. In the restoration and preservation of any historic building, it is crucial to rely on updated, accurate graphic documentation [1]. A monument that is accurately documented will have a greater chance to survive across time, even after adverse and disastrous events. Muqarnas are one of the most admired elements in the 14th century Nasrid architecture found in the Alhambra. Despite their frailty, the muqarnas produce complex arrays of amazing visual effects. Little is known of the muqarnas complex process of 3-D geometrical construction, starting from very simple pieces, since only simple shapes were available
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