Reconstrucción virtual del esquileo del marqués de Perales en El Espinar (Segovia)

Abstract

[EN] 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.

[ES] El esquileo de Perales (El Espinar, Segovia) constituye una muestra única de esta tipología arquitectónica singular de la región del piedemonte segoviano, implementada por las élites cortesanas a comienzos del siglo XVIII. El edificio sirvió para esquilar a la numerosa y reputada cabaña trashumante de lana fina de la marquesa de Perales, permitiendo además las operaciones complementarias a esta técnica novedosa (clasificación, almacenaje, estribado, etc.), así como el avituallamiento de todos los trabajadores y pastores ligados al proceso. A su vez, el esquileo integraba un palacio de excelente factura y prestancia para el alojamiento y disfrute de sus ennoblecidos propietarios, que participaban en la supervisión de las tareas. No obstante, tras la Guerra de la Independencia y el declive de la trashumancia el edificio fue abandonado paulatinamente, quedando abocado a su irremediable destrucción. En concreto, el esquileo fue desmantelado durante un extenso proceso regresivo sostenido a lo largo del siglo XX, derivado de nuevas motivaciones y planteamientos urbanísticos en la población. Durante estas fases se demolieron la mayoría de las edificaciones que integraban el conjunto, conservándose únicamente cuatro de los muros que componían su núcleo principal, y donde se integraron artificiosamente los elementos más significativos de las fachadas derribadas. Aun así, los restos supervivientes de este esquileo todavía muestran la sobresaliente calidad de la ejecución y su diseño, entre cuyos elementos destaca el magnífico conjunto de tres grandes portadas. En este artículo se presenta la reconstrucción virtual del esquileo de Perales, fundamentada en una metodología transversal de trabajo de campo y de archivo, y expuesta a través de un conjunto de planos e imágenes trazados mediante un modelado tridimensional (3D) que permite comprender la magnitud y capacidad de este singular complejo; todo ello, como medio para promover su conservación y salvaguarda futuras. Lo más destacado:

El artículo contribuye al conocimiento del patrimonio arquitectónico industrial ligado a la trashumancia que se encuentra profundamente degradado y en visos de desaparecer. Introduce nuevas tecnologías para la difusión del conocimiento, facilitando una comprensión inclusiva para todos los sectores de la sociedad. Promueve una metodología científica rigurosa y exhaustiva, sentando las bases para la recuperación y valorización de este patrimonio arqueológico y cultural.