A building with a demanding architectural style
Haussmann-style buildings leave little room for approximation.
Behind the facade's apparent regularity lies a wealth of detail: moulded surrounds, variations in proportions, cornices, dormer windows and very marked vertical and horizontal rhythms.
In the case of this building in Geneva, this complexity is immediately apparent. Each level has its own specific characteristics, each opening is part of an overall composition that must be respected, and the repetitive elements are never perfectly identical.
It is precisely in this type of context that modelling comes into its own.
Start from reality to build a reliable model
As with all our projects, the basis of our work is a survey by laser 3D scanner.
This survey captures the whole building as it exists, with its alignments, irregularities and peculiarities.
The point cloud then becomes an objective reference on which the modelling is based. It is not a question of interpreting a façade from existing plans, which are sometimes incomplete, but rather of reconstructing a geometry that is faithful to what exists.
This approach is essential when working on older buildings, where discrepancies between theory and reality are common.
The question of detail: finding the right level of precision
On this project, particular attention was paid to the elements that give structure to the façade.
The window surrounds, stringcourses, cornices and dormer windows were modelled taking into account their actual geometry, as well as their repetition throughout the building. The aim is not to produce an “artistic” reproduction, but a coherent, legible and usable model.
Some decisions involve a permanent trade-off: how much detail should be included, without making the model unnecessarily cumbersome?
This is where experience comes in, particularly in managing levels of detail such as LOG 200 to 300.
Modelling complexity: the case of ironwork
Wrought iron railings are a good example of this problem.
On this building, they play a full part in the architectural identity. Their design, finesse and repetition call for meticulous modelling that goes far beyond simple standard extrusion.
We have chosen to model them faithfully, preserving the logic of the patterns and the proportions, while ensuring that the model can be used in an environment where BIM. This type of element requires a specific approach, often semi-parametric, to ensure both consistency and performance.
