Digital Reconstruction of the 19th Century Santa Catalina Infirmary, Arequipa

Abstract

This study presents the digital and historical reconstruction of the 18th-century community infirmary dormitory at Santa Catalina Monastery in Arequipa, Peru. By integrating advanced digital documentation technologies—such as terrestrial photogrammetry, 360° spherical scanning, and parametric 3D modeling—with rigorous historical and canonical validation, this research proposes a replicable methodological model for the documentation and interpretation of monastic heritage. The study highlights the interdisciplinary convergence of architecture, history, theology, and technology, where the digital model functions not only as a metric record but also as a spiritual and symbolic restitution of a space that once mediated between physical care and eschatological contemplation.