Toledo

As part of the implementation of the “Special Master Plan for the Historic Center of Toledo,” the architect Joan Busquets established the necessity of drafting a Color Master Plan. Consequently, the Consorcio de Toledo launched a public tender, which our team won. In Toledo, as in any city shaped by a profound blending of cultures, architectural overlays have been a constant throughout its urban history, and this evolutionary process has been clearly recorded within its wall coatings.

Fully aware of this historical depth, we conducted a comprehensive survey of all 2,500 buildings and meticulously selected those with the highest stratigraphic and chromatic potential. This allowed us to establish clear evolutionary models for facades from the 10th to the 20th centuries, covering both main wall surfaces and distinct architectural elements. Characterizing the diverse coatings of the traditional Toledo wall enabled a rigorous archaeometry of historical mortars, a scientific approach we also applied to archaeological sites and within the field of vertical archaeology.

The chromatic palette of Toledo is remarkably rich—featuring deep maroons, almazarrón (traditional red ochre pigments), vibrant oranges, warm yellows, and blues—but it is richer still in its intricate color combinations and faux architectural simulations. Furthermore, because the local walls incorporate exposed mortar joints and verdugadas (traditional brick bonding courses) within the stonework, chromatic uniformity is non-existent in this UNESCO World Heritage city. Our dedication to this landmark study was honored with the prestigious “Real Fundación de Toledo” Award in 2003, personally presented by King Juan Carlos I.