A GPRS Case Study

GPRS 3D Laser Scans A Massachusetts Library Prior to Renovation

Highlights

THE BOTTOM LINE

292 individual interior and exterior LiDAR scans were completed in a single day, capturing existing conditions including all historical features, all without disrupting the historic site's operations or impacting its valuable contents so that a renovation could be designed and planned without requiring time consuming hand-measurements.

INDUSTRY

Historic Preservation, Construction, Architecture

SERVICE

3D Laser Scanning, Mapping and Modeling

LOCATION

Amherst, Massachusetts

PM Insight

Deliverables

PROJECT APPLICATION

3D laser scanning allowed the architect to preserve the architectural integrity of an historic building while accurately capturing its existing conditions, keeping daily operations intact, and causing no damage to a unique art gallery required the most advanced non-destructive data capture available.

ASK

Create an accurate 3D BIM model of an historic Massachusetts library to preserve architectural features in a planned renovation

Download PDF

Task

3D laser scanning a historic Massachusetts library to create a 3D BIM model.

PROBLEM

Built in 1919: there were no existing as-built details available
It was likely that the existing condition of the building included unsquared architectural features
The library’s historic features had to be preserved and intact during and post-renovation
The library needed to remain open to patrons and conduct regular operations while visualization was completed
Paintings of Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost, plus local historical exhibits, were contained in a gallery on site that needed to remain untouched

Solution

Laser scanning was executed on Patriot’s Day, a Massachusetts state holiday. The library was closed so all scans could be completed without disrupting operations
292 laser scans were completed of the interior and exterior of the library; approximately 47,000 sq. ft. of space spanning four levels
An intensity map point cloud and 3D BIM model were delivered to the client, giving them accurate data of the current as-built conditions

Benefits

3D scanning provided updated floor plans and captured existing conditions via a 3D BIM model to speed redesign and planning
Architects, designers, and contractors could access and utilize the BIM model and 3D laser scanning data at any stage of the restoration process for reference
3D laser scanning is non-contact; scanning from a distance minimized the risk of damaging historical art work and exhibits and was completed in a single day on site