Parametric modeling of the late Gothic vault: a case study of St. Zygmunt Church in Szydłowiec (Poland)

Abstract

The study investigates the late Gothic vault in the presbytery of St. Zygmunt's Church in Szydłowiec (Poland) and its original project, which is engraved at a 1:1 scale on the wall plaster of the nave. This engraving served as the basis for modeling a digital construction of the vault. The modeling process employed historical construction techniques and geometric principles, such as identical circle arcs and a twice-bent semicircle. A ribbed structure almost identical to the one observed in situ in the monument was obtained. Additionally, the virtual model revealed the exceptional craftsmanship of late Gothic builders, particularly in the precise execution of the complex stone arch connections.