Proportions and Deformations in the Mosque‑Cathedral of Cordoba

Abstract

This research presents a dimensional analysis of the arcades of one of the most emblematic spaces of the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba: its central nave, located besides the mihrab in the ambitious extension carried out by Al-Hakam II. In order to accomplish this survey, a digital model was created from the point cloud obtained with a 3D laser scanner. Subsequently, earlier theories of architectural proportions related to this monument have been reviewed. The comparison of these earlier drawings with the corresponding digital models allows the precision of their different hypotheses to be assessed. Architectonic deformations not considered by the scientific literature are also quantified here. Finally, this research indicates certain partial order relations close to the proportion 1.3, though it should be noted that not all the arcades share the same dimensions and thus no general theory applies to their proportions.