Preserving the Architectural Heritage of al-Andalus. From Restoration to Virtual Reconstruction

The legacy of Arab-Muslim architecture in Spain is one of the most valuable parts of the wealthy Spanish heritage. The application of new concepts and practices to the conservation of this architecture has led to numerous examples of restoration which respect historical values, while using the most modern techniques and principles at the same time. Nowadays, virtual reconstruction of buildings that have been destroyed or severely changed, carried out using computer graphics, enables the analysis of such important aspects as visual perception, character given to space by colour and material textures, light effects, etc. Using these means it is also possible to present and study different alternatives or hypotheses without having to make physical alterations to the original elements. These new instruments, with their capacity to transmit knowledge and research results, also offer new ways of understanding the spreading of heritage. Several case studies of the use of these tools applied to al-Andalus architecture are presented.