Publications
Influence of Detail Level in Acoustic Modeling of Heritage Buildings. Case of the Lonja de los Mercaderes in Valencia
Acoustic modeling of heritage buildings, such as the Lonja de los Mercaderes in Valencia—a notable example of Gothic civil architecture—requires balancing precision with computational efficiency. Research reveals that while highly detailed models enhance accuracy, they also significantly increase computational costs and introduce greater dispersion at low frequencies. Conversely, simplified models compromise result reliability. The study, conducted using ODEON software across three detail levels, underscores the need for an optimal balance to ensure both efficient simulations and reliable acoustic estimates. These findings have broader implications for heritage conservation, offering guidance on leveraging simulation technologies to preserve acoustic integrity in complex historical structures without sacrificing practicality.
La scala elicoidale della Lonja de Los Mercaderes di Valencia. Dai trattati alla digitalizzazione del modello stereotomico
A groundbreaking analysis of the helical staircase at La Lonja de la Seda, Valencia, reveals how 15th-century Spanish stereotomy techniques deviated from theoretical geometric models to address structural and stylistic needs. By comparing digital reconstructions of the actual staircase with idealized models derived from contemporary treatises, researchers uncovered discrepancies that shed light on the practical construction methods used by artisans. This study highlights the interplay between mathematical rigor and functional adaptation in Renaissance architecture, offering new insights into the craftsmanship of one of Spain's most significant World Heritage Sites.
Metodología híbrida para la representación de la arquitectura: la Llotgeta del Mercado Central de Valencia
A hybrid methodology combining traditional surveying with 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry has been successfully developed to overcome the limitations of complex architectural documentation. This approach addresses challenges posed by intricate, highly compartmentalized structures like La Llotgeta del Mercado Central de Valencia, where conventional methods often fail due to numerous blind spots. The hybrid method ensures comprehensive, rigorous data capture for material analysis and structural assessment, significantly improving efficiency and accuracy in heritage conservation. This study demonstrates the potential of integrating multiple techniques to enhance architectural documentation in culturally significant buildings.
Reconstrucción virtual de la desaparecida Lonja del Aceite de Valencia (España)
A groundbreaking virtual reconstruction of the lost Lonja del Aceite, a medieval Valencia building predating the UNESCO-listed La Lonja de la Seda, has been achieved using unprecedented historical and urbanistic analysis. Unlike its famous successor, no physical remains or reliable visual documentation existed for this 14th–15th century structure, which was demolished in 1877. Researchers leveraged newly discovered graphical documentation and comparative architectural studies to determine its dimensions, location, and formal characteristics with high precision. This reconstruction not only recovers a lost piece of Valencia's history but also sets a new standard for virtual archaeology when faced with complete absence of physical evidence.
Diseño de museos: estéticas educativas y patrimoniales en la Ruta de la Seda
Museos en la Ruta de la Seda prioritize local cultural identity over global standardization, revealing a trend where institutions emphasize regional heritage and educational narratives rooted in silk production traditions. This study compares museum designs across the Silk Road, focusing on their educational and patrimonial dimensions through direct observation of installations, collections, and expert interviews. Despite UNESCO's international framework, each museum studied—including Valencia’s Museo de la Seda, the youngest but housing the oldest institution—adapts its aesthetic to highlight unique local characteristics, reinforcing cultural identity while maintaining educational and heritage preservation goals.
The Protection of the Historic City: The Case of the Surroundings of the Lonja de la Seda in Valencia (Spain), UNESCO World Heritage
Historic cities often retain their core functions over centuries, even as buildings evolve. In Valencia, Spain, the commercial heart has long revolved around the Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. However, its surrounding structures and urban spaces, despite their historical significance and close ties to the protected building, remain unprotected. This study combines material analysis of buildings with archival research to redefine the tangible and intangible values of this cultural heritage complex. By examining both physical fabric and documentary evidence, the research highlights how a broader understanding of historic cities can inform comprehensive preservation efforts, ensuring that residential areas and notable structures are not just seen as individual landmarks but as integral parts of urban development processes.
La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia: Patrimonio Mundial y su proyección en el futuro tras su inscripción en 1996
La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia stands as the sole UNESCO World Heritage Site in the city, embodying the opulence of 15th- and 16th-century trade. Since its inscription in 1996, the site has undergone strategic urban transformations, including pedestrianization, to enhance public access and appreciation. Its exceptional architectural uniqueness and well-preserved state have solidified its status as a cherished landmark, drawing significant tourism while maintaining cultural respect. This study highlights the site's dual role as both a historical emblem and a dynamic component of Valencia's heritage landscape.
Las trazas en planta de la bóveda de crucería estrellada de la Capilla de la Lonja de Valencia
A groundbreaking analysis of the star-vaulted ribbed vault in Valencia's Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda) reveals intricate geometric and spatial patterns previously undocumented. The research, part of a broader study on Valencian ribbed vaults from the 13th to 16th centuries, employs advanced spatial, geometric, and mathematical modeling techniques to decode the architectural complexity. Funded by the Generalitat Valenciana, this work offers unprecedented insights into the construction methods and design principles of Gothic architecture in Valencia, contributing significantly to the understanding of heritage conservation and structural analysis.
The perceptive experience of the heritage landscape
A deeper connection between citizens and Valencia's cultural heritage can be fostered through experiential learning, as demonstrated by a study on the church of the Santos Juanes. This approach prioritizes sensory experience over traditional data-driven discourse to reduce digital divides and promote equal access to knowledge. The research proposes workshops and visits that focus on interpretation and perception, aiming to counteract alienation behaviors in the heritage landscape. Despite recent redevelopment efforts, the area has suffered from physical deterioration and poor urban connections, leading to a need for innovative educational interventions. Such initiatives not only strengthen civic engagement but also provide valuable insights into public perception and valuation of heritage environments.
The springs of the starred vault of the Chapel of the Lonja in Valencia and other Valencian starred vaults. Geometric analysis
A groundbreaking geometric analysis of the 15th-century starred vault in the Chapel of La Lonja de la Seda in Valencia reveals intricate design principles that challenge traditional assumptions about Gothic architecture. The study deciphers how five intersecting arches spring from a single horizontal plane, providing new insights into the structural logic of complex stellar vaults. By examining the arrangement of basket arches and the relationship between springer corbels and vault geometry, researchers establish geometric relationships that could help attribute authorship to similar structures, such as those in Valldigna Monastery (Simat) and San Bartolomé Church (Jávea). The findings bridge historical architecture with mathematical precision, offering a novel framework for understanding the evolution of Valencian stellar vaults.
Descripción gráfica y analítica de las columnas helicoidales de las Lonjas de Palma de Mallorca y Valencia
Despite visual similarities, the helical columns of the La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia and the Lonja de Palma de Mallorca share no common geometric parameters. A rigorous analysis using precise geometric methods reveals that while both structures employ helical designs, there is no evidence to support the claim that one design inspired the other beyond their shared conceptual approach to helices. This study challenges long-standing assumptions about architectural influence between these UNESCO World Heritage Sites by applying objective geometric scrutiny to their ornamental features.
Nuevas tecnologías y divulgación científica: el caso de la app Hidden Valencia
The app Hidden Valencia demonstrates the potential of new technologies, particularly locative media, to bridge historical knowledge and contemporary urban experiences. By leveraging geolocalized maps and narrative guides from the 15th–17th centuries, it invites users to explore the remnants of Valencia's past—such as its public spaces during the Germanías Revolt (1519–1522)—and their connections to modern urban life. Unlike traditional divulgation methods, Hidden Valencia offers an immersive, interactive way to uncover historical layers, emphasizing continuity and rupture in urban development while engaging diverse audiences, including historians, urban planners, and the general public.
Didáctica de las matemáticas y arquitectura: la razón áurea en la Lonja de Valencia
A study reveals the presence of golden ratio proportions in the renowned La Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Valencia. The research documents a tutored undergraduate thesis process focusing on geometric analysis, highlighting the building's harmonic decomposition. This approach combines pedagogical methodology with architectural analysis to demonstrate how mathematical principles underpin the structure's aesthetic and functional design.
El levantamiento gráfico arquitectónico de precisión. La jamba de la portada de acceso principal a la Lonja de La Seda de Valencia
A high-precision architectural survey of the main portal jamb of La Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Valencia, reveals insights into its original geometry and conservation challenges. Using advanced non-destructive methods—including 3D laser scanning and electronic total station technology—the study compares traditional measurement tools with modern instruments to assess accuracy and symmetry. Findings highlight the monument's adherence to historical metric systems while addressing conservation needs that balance authenticity with structural integrity. This approach sets a benchmark for documenting and preserving architectural heritage, offering practical solutions for maintaining the site's universal significance.
Experiencing Augmented Reality as an Accessibility Resource in the UNESCO Heritage Site Called “La Lonja”, Valencia
Augmented reality (AR) significantly enhances the accessibility and visitor experience at the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'La Lonja de la Seda' in Valencia. A study involving 145 participants of diverse backgrounds found that AR effectively addressed perception challenges such as poor lighting and distance, allowing users to interactively explore architectural details with positive feedback. The application was well-received, fostering a renewed appreciation for the monument's historical and cultural significance.
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