Cathedral
A digital study comparing scanned surfaces with reconstructed geometry at St. John the Divine.
Modeling and spatial analysis of the cathedral nave, columns and vaults.
Developed within Eric Chi-Fan Wong’s Romance of the Incomplete Completion studio, the study examines the cathedral as an unfinished architectural structure. The interior view combines an irregular scanned surface with a geometric reconstruction of supports, ribs, arches and openings.
- Subject
- St. John the Divine, New York
- Context
- Pratt Institute · ARCH 401/402/403.04
- Studio
- Summer 2022 · Eric Chi-Fan Wong
- Work shown
- Digital modeling & spatial analysis
- Model basis
- Shared studio and reference material
Studio brief and spatial structure
The studio investigates the cathedral’s existing fabric and possible future inhabitation. The study establishes the spatial and structural relationships within the nave as a basis for interpretation.
Repeated columns, arches and vaults organize the longitudinal space. The model makes their geometry and alignment visible across the interior.
Scan and geometric reconstruction
The scanned surface records irregularities, while the reconstructed model simplifies edges and organizes repeated elements. Comparing the two representations identifies differences between captured surfaces and modeled geometry.
The interactive model uses the project’s Rhino geometry. Perspective, front and plan views show the relationship between nave, supports and roof. Wireframe mode displays the triangulated mesh used in the web version.
Interactive model
Web version of the project’s Rhino geometry. Drag or use the arrow keys to rotate; use the viewpoint and zoom controls to inspect the nave, columns and roof.
Siyue You, Summer 2022, Eric Chi-Fan Wong’s Romance of the Incomplete Completion studio, Pratt Institute. The cathedral model incorporates shared studio and reference material. This interactive view is a simplified web edition of the project’s Rhino geometry.
