New Drawings of the Alhambra: Deformations of Muqarnas in the Pendentives of the Sala de la Barca

A groundbreaking analysis of the Alhambra’s Nasrid architecture reveals previously undocumented deformations in the muqarnas pendentives of the Sala de la Barca, a key feature of 14th-century Islamic design. Using advanced laser scanner technology, researchers produced new drawings that challenge the geometric simplicity long assumed for these intricate plaster elements. These findings, derived from comparisons with historical plans by Jones and Goury (1842–1845), highlight structural complexities that could inform preservation efforts and sustainability studies of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ferrer-Pérez-Blanco, I., Gámiz-Gordo, A., & Reinoso-Gordo, J. F. (2019). New Drawings of the Alhambra: Deformations of Muqarnas in the Pendentives of the Sala de la Barca. Sustainability, 11(2), 316. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11020316