Documentation of authentic modernist heritage case study of the Iraq Natural History Researches Center and Museum

Purpose The article reports research activities on documentation, representation and analysis of a modernist building located in Baghdad –-Iraq, which is the Iraq Natural History Researches’ Center and Museum. The building was designed by the Iraqi architect Qahtan Madfai. It represents the essential architectural characteristics of Madfai’s modernist work, and reveals the authenticity of his approach, in addition to being a valuable example of modern architecture in Iraq of the mid-twentieth century. As the building is being in use since its establishment, and is expected to have intervention works in the near future, it becomes necessary to conduct an accurate documentation process, for the purpose of providing highlight on Madfai’s distinguished approach alongside with drawing attention to the importance of Iraqi modern architecture, and to set an integrated and easy-to-handle information base to professionals engaged in future intervention beside authorities concerned with modern heritage architecture conservation and restoration. Design/methodology/approach This is based on the “survey process of the building” using a combination of classic and new surveying technologies such as level survey and hand measurements beside UAV and terrestrial hand camera photogrammetry, in addition to an analysis of the available archived documentation. The survey data was then used for the 3D model representation in the BIM environment from which conventional representations and levels of interpretation are extracted. Findings The obtained model illustrates the main authentic features of Madfai’s design, and will inform sound decisions and ensure easy data flow during future projects of the building. Originality/value The paper presents a digital documentary 3D model of the Iraq Natural History Researches Center and Museum building, as the first attempt of its kind in Iraq for modern buildings, with a minimal budget and execution time.