Graphic Cataloguing of Architectural Heritage: Metal Railings in the Eclectic and Modernist Cartagena

Abstract

In the city of Cartagena there are many modernist and eclectic buildings with iron railings as enclosures for their balconies. These items provide a characteristic aspect to its streets, although due to deterioration or even due to ignorance of their value, some of them have disappeared or have been replaced with others. In order to support the preservation and study of this architectural heritage, we have prepared a methodology leading to the creation of a graphic catalogue of the various designs found in the existing and/or disappeared buildings, which may be used for reference and comparison purposes as regards their designs. As a starting point for the creation of this database, we have chosen Carmen Street in Cartagena; this street belongs to the historical city centre and is an excellent example of the modernist and eclectic heritage of this city. This methodology combines several phases, such as the initial document collection from the municipal archive, 3D scanning, and graphic representation for the creation of the catalogue.