Introduction
The architectural heritage reflects our historical and cultural identity. Through advanced technologies like laser scanning and BIM modeling, iconic buildings can be preserved and documented without damage, capturing every detail with exceptional accuracy. This article presents how we apply these methodologies in an emblematic case: the Casa sobre el Arroyo, within the framework of the project "Digital Actions and Other Media for Architectural Safeguarding" (ADM), promoted by the CEAC – UTN Mar del Plata.
Our goal was to generate an accurate digital twin of the building after its restoration, to facilitate future preservation, detailed analysis, and public dissemination.
Timeline: History of the Casa en el Arroyo
Built between 1943 and 1945 by architects Amancio Williams and Delfina Gálvez Bunge, the Casa sobre el Arroyo quickly established itself as an icon of modern Latin American architecture. However, subsequent decades brought abandonment, fires, and significant deterioration. Its recent restoration opened the door to an innovative phase of digital preservation, being chosen as the pilot project of the ADM for its historical and architectural value.
Phase 1 – Digital Survey
Technology used:
- Terrestrial Scanning with LIDAR
- Aerial capture with 360° drones and cameras (more than 200 360° shots).
Key results:
- Millions of points collected in just 3 hours
- A complete visual record of the restored building and its immediate surroundings
- Non-invasive method, fundamental in heritage conservation
Process and Results: In a short span of 3 hours we collected millions of points, generating a highly detailed point cloud that faithfully represents the restored structure and its immediate natural surroundings. This method proved to be completely non-invasive, essential to preserve the integrity of the building.
Post processing: The resulting point cloud was processed and optimized using Autodesk Recap Pro, resulting in a clean, accurate digital model ready to be imported into Autodesk Revit.
Phase 2 – As-Built Modeling in Revit
Starting from the processed point cloud, we generate a detailed and accurate BIM model of the restored building. This work involved the exact modeling of unique architectural elements such as the bridge's curved beams, restored walls, original joinery, and overall structure. The result was a comprehensive technical documentation that will facilitate future maintenance and conservation interventions.
Phase 3 – Coordination and Quantification with Autodesk Construction Cloud
Using the Autodesk Construction Cloud platform, we were able to collaboratively manage the project in the cloud, integrating different specialized tools:
Autodesk Docs: enabled the organized and efficient management of all project documentation.
Model Coordination: facilitated the early detection and review of interferences between model components.
Autodesk Takeoff: enabled a comprehensive and detailed inventory of existing building elements and materials, useful for planning future restorations and maintenance.
Results and Lessons Learned
This digitization project offered multiple benefits:
- Global Accessibility: The digital twin can be explored from anywhere, facilitating remote and educational studies.
- Technical precision: The documentation generated provides up-to-date and accurate information, essential for future interventions.
- Detailed Inventory: It facilitates the economic and technical planning of future restoration and maintenance work.
- Cultural Value: It represents an unprecedented educational and cultural dissemination tool.
The ADM project has been highlighted in academic events and in local media, reaffirming its importance as a reference in digital heritage conservation.
Testimony:
"Digitization not only protects our physical heritage, it also ensures that future generations deeply understand and value our architectural legacy."
(Juan Francisco Angel)
Final Thoughts
Digitizing architectural heritage transcends the technical realm and becomes a true cultural commitment. Technologies like Revit and the Autodesk Construction Cloud are paving the path to sustainable and meaningful architectural conservation. The case of theCasa sobre el Arroyo demonstrates how, with the right tools and methodologies, we can preserve our historical legacy for future generations.
📌Tour the Casa sobre el Arroyo virtually
