Reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris – BIM Modeling.

A public organization responsible for the conservation and restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, in collaboration with Autodesk, has introduced advanced digital solutions to this exceptional project. Before the fire, reality capture technologies were used in the cathedral, allowing for the creation of a detailed 3D model of the building in its original state. After the fire, the latest Autodesk tools and laser scanning were utilized to create new 3D models.

Comparing the pre- and post-fire models enabled a precise understanding of the extent and nature of the damage. Accurately identifying the scope of destruction supports effective reconstruction planning and ensures the highest standards of quality. Implementing a Common Data Environment (CDE) was a key element in the process of rebuilding Notre-Dame Cathedral:

• Central Data Repository: The CDE serves as a central storage location for all project information, ensuring data consistency and accessibility for all authorized stakeholders.
• Communication: Collaboration between project teams, conservators, and other participants is significantly facilitated, leading to more efficient project management.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) – an intelligent process of modeling data and 3D geometry of the cathedral brought numerous benefits:

• Accuracy and Detail: BIM allows the creation of detailed, three-dimensional models of the building, crucial for the precise reconstruction of historical structures.
• Digital Historical Record: Through BIM, Notre-Dame Cathedral gains a lasting digital record of its state before and after the fire, increasing resilience to future events and simplifying future conservation work.
• Collaboration and Coordination: BIM enables effective collaboration between various stakeholders through a common data environment (CDE), ensuring access to the latest information and plans for all involved.

The reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is an excellent example of how modern technologies can support and enrich conservation projects of global significance.

Thanks to the partnership with Autodesk, the use of BIM, laser scanning, and the common data environment (CDE), this project not only achieves the highest standards of quality but also ensures a lasting digital heritage for future generations. Depending on resources and available expertise, BIM modeling can be carried out internally within the company, with external specialists brought into the project, or the entire model can be outsourced.

AEC Design engineers have unique experience in creating BIM models based on flat documentation or point cloud data.