Scan to BIM services & BIM Modeling for the Wesselényi castle in Jibou, Romania
2600 M2 300 GB 6 WEEKS
2021
The History of the Wesselényi Castle
Ferenc Wesselényi, the first lord of the castle, received Hodod and Jibou in 1584 as a follower of István Báthory and a meritorious chamberlain, along with twenty-six villages and the baronial title. The building, considered one of the most beautiful baroque castles in Transylvania, began to be constructed in 1778. Construction work lasted for over thirty years.
The castle gained its present form during the time of the elder Miklós Wesselényi, who also commissioned the construction of the nearby riding hall in 1771. The horse statue, which can be seen on the wall of the stable, was carved by Johannes Nachtigall. As the Wesselényi family’s pride, the renowned Jibou stud farm became a treasured legacy passed from father to son. The castle’s construction was completed by 1810. It features a blend of baroque and classical architectural styles, with its large arcaded loggia and the four corner bastions typical of medieval traditions being particularly spectacular.
The Journey from Physical Survey to BIM Model Creation
Our team embarked on a detailed survey of the building, engaging in a comprehensive ‘scan to BIM‘ service, a pivotal step in catering to our client’s needs. The primary objective of this endeavor was the meticulous digitalization of the building’s existing condition. This crucial process paves the way for the subsequent development of a detailed Building Information Modeling (BIM) framework. The ultimate aim of constructing this BIM model is to enable our dedicated colleagues to effectively carry out an in-depth tourism analysis, coupled with the formulation of a strategic concept plan.
During the BIM modeling part of the project, we aimed to keep the horizontal and vertical error margin between reality and the digital twin model under 5 cm, which is the most commonly practiced professional standard for historical buildings. We are proud to say that we modeled the baroque roof structure with this level of precision.
The Key Challenge
During this venture, we encountered a unique challenge that added a layer of complexity to our task. We were presented with a collection of keys, each unmarked and nondescript, complicating our entry into various parts of the building. This task, unexpectedly, turned out to be a humorous way of testing of our problem-solving skills and patience.
Recreating Architectural Details
Special attention was paid to all architectural elements that exhibit the rich baroque and classical characteristics, a hallmark of the building’s grandeur. This included not just the structural aspects, but also the nuanced details such as the shades and ornamental features. By doing so, we ensured that both the exterior facades and the interior spaces of the building were digitally reconstructed with utmost precision and care. This approach allowed us to capture and reflect the building’s imposing and majestic atmosphere, preserving its historical and aesthetic essence in our digital model.
Unfortunately, the stable building that once housed the pride of the Wesselényi family, their stud farm, was not included in our assignment. The stable, rich in tradition and stories, stands as a testament to the Wesselényi family’s past.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Wesselényi Castle, with its rich history dating back to 1584, stands as a monumental edifice in Transylvania. Its journey from the era of Ferenc Wesselényi to its completion under Elder Miklós Wesselényi has seen it evolve into a stunning blend of Baroque and Classical architecture. Our recent project to digitally capture this historic marvel through BIM modeling was a testament to the castle’s architectural grandeur and historical significance. This endeavor reflects the balance between technological advancement and the deep respect for historical heritage.
