We take it for granted that a building is immortal, but, like everything tangible, it also degrades. When it comes to monuments and architectural works that characterise the city, a software platform such as BIM – Building Information Modelling – becomes essential. This technology makes it possible to integrate 3D modelling with project management and visualisation tools. It is then possible to estimate the shipping and construction time for the building in question and the life cycle cost. BIM simulations can also be used to reduce energy loss by testing the environmental performance and thermal insulation of different materials.

For example, the fire that hit Notre Dame in 2019 → completely destroyed two-thirds of the roof. If such an event had happened in the pre-digital era, it would not have been possible to speak of a complete reconstruction of the cathedral

However, this is possible and is being developed thanks primarily to Andrew Tallon – professor of art at Vassar College – who was the first to scan Notre Dame. In 2015 he managed to provide a very accurate digital replica of the Gothic structure. Tallon’s work meant that just two years later he was able to arrive at a final BIM model built in Revit ← from a survey carried out using 12 laser scanners, which collected 46,000 scans.