The Vault with Intertwined Arches in Castle of Racconigi: 3D Digital Reconstruction

The complex approach of Guarini to each discipline (Geometry, Architecture, Philosophy, Astronomy) finds important development in his method of implementing vaulted systems. The importance of this architectural element, which Guarini reminds as “the main part of the buildings”, is reflected in the new taste of the civil architecture of the period. The design by Guarini for the vault in the Hall of Honor in Racconigi Castle is documented in a single drawing representing the hall’s cross-section. Guarini devotes particular attention to the drawing, both from the geometric and the representative point of view. Based on this drawing we want to propose, through the most recent digital modeling and visualization methods, a three-dimensional reconstruction of this unrealized work. The analysismethod involves an in-depth examination of: Guarini’s theory and his systematic approach to vaulted structures, linking Architecture and Geometry, the problems of design the artifacts, the comparison with similar shapes designed by the architect. Through a method of representation based on geometrical principles, the aim of this paper is to give evidence – and a three-dimensional visualization – of a case study documented by an archival source, already analyzed by historians.