VIRTUAL RECONSTRUCTION OF THE SHEARING BUILDING OF THE MARQUIS OF PERALES IN EL ESPINAR (SEGOVIA)

Abstract

The architectural remains of the Perales shearing building are located in the town of El Espinar (Segovia) and constitute a unique example for the knowledge and understanding of this industrial, architectural typology typical of Spain and, specifically, of the Segovian foothill region. This building complex was built at the beginning of the 18th century by order of the Marchioness of Perales, who, sponsored by King Philip V, set up one of the most renowned sheep cattle in the history of the nation: Perales livestock. All of it, according to the renovating and industrializing policies promoted by this monarch. This functional building was where the different shearing operations were carried out, including wool classification, its storage and stacking, as well as food and water supplies for its numerous workers and transhumant shepherds throughout the process (about 20 days in May). In addition, it had a magnificent palace to accommodate their noble owners in the same conditions as in their residences in Madrid. All this was uniformly integrated into a single complex in which the hybridization between industry, provisioning and accommodation took place. Unfortunately, the consequences of the Peninsular War (1807-1814) produced the definitive decline of both the wool industry and the transhumance industry; the beginning of the shearing building abandonment started, therefore, as a result of the loss of its function. Specifically, the building was almost completely dismantled through a regressive process sustained throughout the 20th century resulting from new urban motivations and approaches in the area. During these phases, most of the buildings that made up the complex were demolished, leaving only four of the main building walls; the most significant elements of the demolished facades were artificially included. Even so, the surviving remains of this shearing building still show the outstanding quality in the execution and design of its most relevant elements, notably its three large granite doors. For all these reasons, and considering most of the architectural remains of the building had been demolished, the objective of the research is the virtual reconstruction of this important industrial complex linked to Castilian transhumance. To carry it out, a rigorous transversal methodology has been developed, based on the confrontation between the different sources —documentary and own—. That is, the fieldwork and survey work, the original archival documentation, the analysis of recent and historical cartography, the historical photography, the bibliographic review, as well as the comparison with other shearing buildings of the region. Once the hypothesis was constructed, the drawing of the two-dimensional (2D) plans of the building was carried out, thus exposing the internal organization and programmatic distribution of the shearing building. After that, the 3D modelling of the complex was developed, which has allowed the construction of both the analytical images —that show through the use of colour, the evolution of the building or the different construction aspects— and the realistic images —that show the material and spatial qualities of the building—. All this helps to understand the extinct building, as well as the dimensions and capacities of its most significant spaces. Furthermore, it was possible to determine the original layout of this complex, articulated in three independent nuclei (with a specific use) that were integrated into the city and functioned collectively in the development of the complex. For this reason, the reconstruction focuses particularly on emphasizing the importance of this building for the construction of the historic urban landscape and the scenography of the city; during its existence, it presided over some of its streets and squares, adorning them with its rich granite doors. Thus, this research has addressed the reconstruction of all the elements that made up the building and its surroundings, that is, from its implementation to its construction details. This article presents a rigorous and unprecedented graphic reconstruction of the Perales shearing building, which allows us to understand the scope and complexity of this singular architectural example, being a unique and referential model in its typology. This research lays the foundations for recognising and protecting this rich industrial, cultural and architectural heritage, which is at risk of extinction, establishing the paths for its future conservation and safeguarding.