Case study: Building Information Modeling services for the Bornemissza Castle in Ilia, Romania
2888 M2,
2022
Genius Loci
This tiny village near Deva called Ilia (Marosillye) is the birthplace of Gábor Bethlen, former prince of Transylvania, thus the place carries special significance.
Gábor Bethlen was a pivotal figure in Transylvanian history, his life and leadership are deeply woven into the fabric of Transylvanian heritage. As Prince of Transylvania from 1613 to 1629, he was not just a ruler, but a visionary. He reformed the political and economic landscape, fostering a period of cultural and intellectual flourishing. Under his reign, Transylvania experienced a golden age, marked by religious freedom and diplomatic prowess.
Bethlen’s diplomatic skills were exceptional, he adeptly navigated the complex geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe during the turbulent times of the Thirty Years’ War. His policies and alliances significantly shaped the region’s history, positioning Transylvania as a significant power.
Moreover, his commitment to education and the arts led to a remarkable cultural renaissance in Transylvania. He established schools, promoted learning, and patronized the arts, leaving a legacy that transcended his political achievements. Today, Bethlen Gábor is celebrated not only as a skilled ruler but as a beacon of progress and enlightenment in Transylvanian history.
Client's Approach to Restoring a Neglected Castle
Building Survey and BIM Services
Our team conducted a survey of the building, providing scan to BIM services to our client. The goal, after digitizing the current state of the building, is to construct a BIM model, enabling our colleagues to prepare the tourism analysis and concept design. We meticulously modeled the facade decorations reminiscent of the finesse of Italian stone carvers, the unique structural elements of the outbuildings, and even the secluded spaces of the cellars. Additionally, in our BIM modeling, we not only recreated the surveyed condition but also added elements that are now barely discernible on-site but appear in old photographs. Examples include the shutters/louvers of the baroque windows on the main facade of the castle.
Achieving Precision in BIM Modeling of Historical Buildings
During the BIM modeling phase of the project, we aimed to keep the horizontal and vertical margin of error between reality and the digital twin model below 5 cm, which is the most common professional expectation for historical buildings. We are proud to say that we modeled the roof structure with this level of precision.
Conclusion
The team’s attention to detail in the BIM process, including the recreation of original features and the addition of elements visible only in old photographs, demonstrates a deep commitment to preserving the building’s historical integrity. This project not only immortalized the current state of this heritage building but also respects and revitalizes its historical significance, blending advanced technology with historical preservation, thus proudly contributing to saving another small fragment of our heritage.
