Geometric approach to the revitalization process of the medieval Serbian monasteries

Abstract

Among the standard approaches concerning cultural heritage preservation, the architectural point of view deserves particular attention. The special place in medieval Serbian history of architecture belongs to the world famous numerous significant monuments (churches and monasteries) exist as witnesses of the national testimony, currently in the state of ruins, archaeological sites, or damaged ones. A lot of them have adequate needs for revitalisation, where the start point is engineering documentation. The focus of the research is on the role of specific geometric and engineering graphics tasks when these areas are concerning. Monastery church devoted to Introduction of Holy Theotokos in village Slavkovica (near town Ljig), with three old sarcophaguses, dated back to 15th century, is presented and analysed from several aspects: measuring, architectural style characteristics - geometric design, 3D modelling (classical-CAD and terrestrial photogrammetric) with visualization and presentation. The attention was paid on preservation of authentic architectural style and medieval building techniques, which allow imperfections in realization. The opinion of experienced scientists and specialists involved in all the phases of monument's revitalisation has been followed as a guideline to the final result a proposed geometric design of the revitalised church in Slavkovica.