The project focuses on the innovative use of Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) to document, analyze, and preserve the UNESCO World Heritage Site Worms Synagogue, part of the ShUM-Sites Speyer, Worms and Mainz. This significant cultural landmark is at risk due to environmental challenges, including soil settlement from droughts and moisture issues impacting its historic structures.
The Worms Synagogue, originally built in the 12th century, faces:
– Foundation Instability: Soil drying causes cracks and damage. – Contrasting Moisture Issues: Underground structures, like the Mikwe, suffer from excessive humidity.
Addressing these issues requires advanced digital tools, collaborative workflows, and innovative conservation strategies. Using HBIM, we are developing a comprehensive, digital-first approach to heritage preservation by:
– Integrating 3D Laser Scanning, Photogrammetry, and environmental data to create accurate models. – Establishing a “Single Source of Truth” through HBIM workflows for documentation, planning, and monitoring. – Ensuring sustainable preservation strategies that consider environmental impacts and climate resilience in collaboration with the state conservator, planners and stake holders.
Funded by the DBU under project number 39938/01 and title “Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) as a documentation, planning and monitoring method for the elimination of harmful environmental influences using the example of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Worms Synagogue” (German: Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) als Dokumentations-, Planungs- und Monitoringmethode zur Behebung von schädlichen Umwelteinflüssen am Beispiel des UNESCO-Weltkulturerbes Synagoge Worms).
Upcoming Project Kick-off Event and Conference
The upcoming Kick-off Event for the HBIM Worms Project and Conference on “Heritage BIM in Monument Preservation”, hosted by AI MAINZ - Institute of Architecture at Mainz University of Applied Sciences, promises to be a pivotal moment for the field of heritage conservation. Held on March 27-28, 2025, at the LUX Pavilion in Mainz, the event will bring together experts, practitioners, and academics from Germany and beyond to explore how Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) can transform the documentation, planning, and monitoring of cultural monuments. For more, check information here https://architekturinstitut.hs-mainz.de/projects/HBIM-Worms-Conference