Digital Historical Architectural Research and Material Analysis (D.H.A.R.M.A) is a new research team based at the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture founded in October 2007.
The research team recently started working on documenting historic monuments and buildings around the world with the use of 3D scanning technology. 3D scanning has been used in the industrial world for a long time. Analysis of the aerodynamics of airplanes and car design, are some of the assets for which 3D scanning has been used. Today 3D scanning and documentation has come to the field of architecture and historic preservation. From the vast number of benefits that this technology offers, one of the primary uses can be found in the detailed documentation of structures with complex geometry and with issues of inaccessibility. Recently 3D scanning has also been used in determining and monitoring seismic effects on historic buildings and reconstruction processes of buildings with historical value. (ABOVE RIGHT: Lecia 3D laser scanner documenting Notre Dame's Basilica of the Sacred Heart)
With an $85,500 grant from Notre Dame’s equipment Restoration and Renewal Program received by Prof. Krupali Uplekar, the School has purchased a Leica 3D laser scanner. It is a high-speed, long-range scanner ideal for projects that are difficult to document by traditional methods and provide researchers with the most field-efficient means of data collection. The technology provides researchers with the ability to capture the maximum amount of data in the shortest amount of time.
In partnership with CyArk, a non-profit organization that collects the most accurate 3D models of cultural heritage sites, stores them and provides them freely to the world, the University plans to use the scanner to document endangered historic buildings such as those on UNESCO’s world heritage list or the U.S. National Register of Historic Places since a few of these sites have been documented in much detail. Notre Dame currently joins only a handful of universities in the U.S. with such technology, including Columbia, Stanford and the University of California at Berkeley. The scanner will also be used as part of the School’s new historic preservation concentration.
Objectives:
Present research:
Since receiving the 3D scanner in May:
Contact Person and Anticipated Participants (RIGHT) :
Principal: Krupali Uplekar, Assistant Professor, University of Notre Dame School of Architecture
Coordinator: Alan DeFrees, Professional Specialist, University of Notre Dame School of Architecture
Technical Support: Bernadine Stein, OIT Specialist, University of Notre Dame School of Architecture
Graduate Research Assistance: Jill Kapadia and Selena Anders, University of Notre Dame School of Architecture
Department of Physics, University of Notre Dame
Michael Wiescher, Professor of Physics, Director, Joint Institute of Nuclear Astrophysics
Department of Engineering, University of Notre Dame
Tracy Kijewski-Correa, Assistant Professor
Dept of Art, Art History & Design, University of Notre Dame
Nathan Lunstrum, Photo Technician & Concurrent Assistant Professor
Consulted Services
Markus Krusche, Computer- and Photographic Documentation Specialist
External Partners:
Technical University Dresden
Wolfram Jaeger, Dean, School of Architecture, Head, Department of Structural Design
John Grunewald, School of Architecture, Head, Department of Climatological studies
International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture and Urbanism (INTBAU)
Matthew Hardy, INTBAU president
Robert Adam, principal, Robert Adam Architects
CyArk - High Definition Heritage Network
John Loomis, director of communications and development, CyArk
Ben Bolgar, director of design theory & networks, The Prince’s Foundation for Built Environment
