Virtual reconstruction and constructive modelling of the coffered ceiling in the Synagogue of El Tránsito (Toledo, Spain)

This article presents a work about the coffered ceiling of the Synagogue of El Tránsito (Toledo), an exceptional example of 14th-century Spanish-Muslim carpentry. Its structural model follows the typical geometric standards of the period which were common to both Christian and Muslim traditions in the 14th-century in Spain. This work includes, on the one hand, the analysis of the coffered ceiling geometric design: first, a basic module has been identified, as well as the several patterns that were developed with its variations and combinations; secondly, the whole design has been fit to the global dimensions to generate an idealised whole layout of the structure. Finally, a comparison with the actual geometry of the building has been carried out to analyse the reasons of the differences between them. On the other hand, a study of the coffered ceiling constructive configuration has been developed: the pieces that form the structure have been firstly individualized to study their assembling process later. The research has been possible thanks to a three-dimensional (3D) survey done in the building combining several techniques (laser scanning and photogrammetry). This generated a point cloud which has been the geometric basis for the latter analysis and for the generation of 3D parametric models of the coffered ceiling pieces. The main results are the geometric layout which could be used by carpenters to design the coffered ceiling, as well as the explanation of the wooden pieces and their assembling process. The paper is fully illustrated with two-dimensional (2D) drawings and images of the 3D models, thus helping to reach a better knowledge, conservation and dissemination of these types of historical wooden structures.

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