Reconstructing a Peruzzi Drawing
Process Notes (PDF)
Original Drawing
Final Model Photos
Research Objectives
We attempted to reconstruct a Peruzzi drawing with computer modeling and three dimensional printing. Once completed, we expect the computer model will then generate questions that encourage further studies and modeling. Two studies were performed here each demonstrating a state of knowing but not a state of completion. Each study further complicated our understanding of the drawing.
Reconstruction Process
Our reconstruction process for this project was similar to the reconstruction of the Palladian villas. First conducted a thorough analysis of the drawing in question and drawings from published sources. Also historian Richard Tuttle offered sketches and text detail. A synthesis of these drawing and some modeling lead to element and component modeling, we define element/components as objects. Objects are printed and evaluated for structure and appearance with three dimensional printing. Once approved objects are combined to generate a complete virtual artifact in 3D CAD. The final artifact is printed in sections, for this study only one full artifact was printed. Photos of the final model can be found here>>
Study 1
The first study focused on the exploration of a corner of the main body of what could be assumed to be the building. Information on building proportions were taken from a CAD drawing that was translated from the original drawing (figure 1). Combined the computer model (figure 2) was printed of plaster (figure 3) and reviewed by the research team against Peruzzi’s drawings (figure 4).
Study 2
As a result of the first study the second focused on the exploration of building elements and the relationship between these parts. Selected for study were six architectural elements. It can be assumed that once combined the elements will result in an accurate reconstruction of the drawing. This is possible provided the elements and proportions between elements and the elements themselves are true to Peruzzi’s design style.
