How Reality Capture Is Enhancing Restoration Projects and Historic Preservation
What Is the Difference Between Restoration and Preservation
Restoration is defined as, “the act or process of accurately depicting the form, features, and character of a property as it appeared at a particular period of time by means of the removal of features from other periods in its history and reconstruction of missing features from the restoration period,” according to the National Park Services. In the architecture industry, clients and architects agree upon a structure’s previous appearance and restore its former conditions with the help of modern technology.
Preservation entails sustaining a structure or famous landmark in its current form and preventing it from being significantly damaged, altered, or changed. Constant maintenance and repairs are necessary, but they are minimal in scale. There are also extensive requirements and standards for building preservation including distinctive features and historical significance.
How 3D Laser Enhances Restoration & Preservation Projects
The level of detail and precision that 3D laser scanners deliver have changed restoration and preservation projects for the better.
Restoration projects used to rely on photographs and sketches, which can miss out on important details to gain a full understanding of the structure’s significance at the time. 3D scans and models provide a comprehensive look at the building that can be referenced at every stage of the project life cycle.
3D models also give architects the ability to visualize and conceptualize potential solutions and make the best decisions possible for the project.
For preservation projects, 3D laser scans are solving one of the greatest challenges preservers face: documenting the buildings while lessening the chance of damaging it. Hand measurements are not only outdated and not nearly as detailed as 3D scans, but they also require longer hours inside these structures which could be hundreds of years old. By utilizing 3D laser scanners, every minute detail is captured in a fraction of the time and no longer require physically touching the structures.
The reality capture data collected also provides preservation teams with detailed digital replicas of the structure that allows them the ability to inspect each area thoroughly and plan future maintenance projects.
And if any damages were to occur, the 3D scan can be used as reference for any repairs that would need to be completed.
Examples of Using 3D Laser for Historical Preservation & Restorations
A prime example of how 3D laser scans can expedite the restoration process is the Pinnacle Penthouse, a five-floor residential space located atop the Woolworth Building in Manhattan. The Woolworth Building was once the tallest building in the world and is a staple of the New York City skyline.
The project consisted of restoring the exterior façade to its original 1913 design and to reimagine the interior living space that was a blank canvas at the time.
David Hotson was one of the architects assigned to the restoration. They needed precise documentation of the exterior and interior of the Pinnacle Penthouse, so they could modify a large portion of the terracotta façade and exploit every inch of opportunity within the inside living space.
Existing Conditions, a GPRS company, was hired to scan the area and provide precise existing conditions documentation. The data also needed to be shared in a variety of deliverables, including point clouds, 2D CAD floor plans, Reflective Ceiling Plans (RCP), exterior elevations, a 3D Revit model, and a Virtual Tour of the penthouse.
The data gathered by Existing Conditions provided the architects with a highly accurate look at the whole penthouse which was crucial for the exterior restoration planning process and the creation of a state-of-the-art floor plan.
Another example of how reality capture can impact historical building restoration is the Notre Dame Cathedral. In 2019, the architectural marvel suffered a devastating fire that required its roof, interior, and iconic 315-foot spire to be repaired or replaced.
Fortunately, the building had been 3D scanned by an art historian in 2015. The scans were initially performed to gain a better understanding of how some of Europe’s renowned cathedrals were constructed. By layering new scans and additional drone footage onto the original scan, a complete digital copy of Notre Dame from before the fire was finalized.
Notre Dame re-opened its doors to the public in December of 2024. Without the highly detailed 3D scans, the chances of restoring the world-famous cathedral to its former glory would have been nearly impossible.
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Are There Disadvantages to 3D Laser Scanning?
There are no major disadvantages of utilizing 3D laser scanners for reconstruction, however there are some challenges architects may encounter.
Documenting 3D models requires specific equipment that can be expensive. It also requires special training, an IT infrastructure that can hold large amounts of data, and a precise CAD and BIM team to translate all that data into usable objects.
Because of this, its best to hire 3D laser and reality capture professionals like Existing Conditions, a GPRS company.
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Over the past 27 years, we have measured, documented, and modeled over 10,000 buildings spanning over 700 million square feet across the United States, establishing ourselves as an industry leader in 3D laser scanning. Architects, builders, engineers, developers, facility managers, trust us to deliver digital representations of the as-built environment with unparalleled accuracy and efficiency. Our services, including 3D laser scanning, 3D photogrammetry, and BIM modeling, enable architects to make informed design decisions based on the most accurate data available.
FAQs
What is 3D Laser Scanning?
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3D laser scanning captures the as-built documentation of existing buildings or sites. Data is acquired with a 3D laser scanner equipped with LiDAR technology in the form of a point cloud and is used to develop 2D CAD drawings or 3D BIM models, expediting the design, planning, and development of architecture, engineering, and construction projects.
What are the Benefits of 3D Laser Scanning?
3D laser scanning captures millions of 3D data points per second for each scan location, providing incredibly rich data of a building or project site. Sites are captured in high detail the first time, eliminating disruption and the need for return visits. Datasets are dimensionally accurate, measurable and shareable, expediting project planning and execution. Accurate design plans are produced from the start expediting field work and reducing change orders, delays and costs. Communication is improved, teams can discuss plans while each has access to the same information, creating a more dynamic working environment.
What is Scan-to-BIM Used For?
Scan-to-BIM is a process that uses 3D laser scanning to create a building information model of a building or site. BIM models provide a comprehensive view of a building that can be used throughout its lifecycle – during the design phase, construction phase, and operation phase of the building. The BIM model can be used during the design and planning stages of a project from design changes to material selection, and cost estimation. During the construction phase, the model can be used to coordinate and manage different trades and ensure the building is constructed according to the design intent. During the operation phase, the model can be used to manage maintenance and repairs, track the performance of the building, and plan for future improvements.
