LiDAR and CAD Reconstruction of Queen's University Ontario Hall

The emergence of highly accurate LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology has opened new avenues for engaging with and understanding cultural heritage sites. How do we convert buildings like Ontario Hall into editable 3D models to engage various stakeholders in a campus setting? This initiative developed from the goal of MobArch (Queen's Mobile Laboratory for the study of Architecture and the Built Environment) to use non-invasive visualization technologies to understand the social, developmental, and environmental impacts upon our built environment and architectural past. Current initiatives involving LiDAR for heritage conservation investigate hidden aspects of sites or address structural disrepair. The Ontario Hall project uniquely documents the state of a heritage building before structural concerns arise. This project creates an accurate digital record of Ontario Hall for future infrastructure initiatives and cultural preservation. In addition, this project tests the limits of LiDAR with 3D reconstruction in CAD (Computer Aided Design) software. This project used the Leica RTC360 3D Laser Scanner to create over 300 scans with a point cloud density of 6mm. The resulting cloud was optimized using Leica Cyclone Register 360 Plus software and was imported to Sketch Up where a 3D model was manually reconstructed based on the cloud data. The result of this project is a SKP file containing the 3D model, and the point cloud. The cloud is a highly accurate resource for future infrastructure projects. The 3D model contains room volumes, windows, staircases, and external architectural elements in a more edit-friendly software environment allowing diverse stakeholders to creatively reimagine Ontario Hall. The model can be integrated into archives, websites, games, and VR. Heritage architecture can contribute to the marketing appeal and visual identity of Queen’s. Moreover, awareness of community heritage improves social wellbeing and addresses the need to connect with our built history.