Following a devastating hurricane, a landmark South Beach hotel faced extensive damage, jeopardizing its 1940s art deco charm. A meticulous 3D laser scanning process overcame operational hurdles, delivering highly detailed documentation essential for restoring the hotel while preserving its historical elegance and addressing its structural and design complexities.
Process
Nestled between Collins Avenue and the Atlantic Ocean, the 205-room hotel boasts an iconic art deco style that makes it a standout, even in South Beach. However, after Hurricane Irma, flood-damaged rooms impacted revenue generation, prompting an urgent need for renovation.
Existing plans were insufficient, and the building presented unique challenges. Unlike most hotels with uniform room layouts, this property had over 50 distinct room configurations among its 205 rooms. Despite being operational, the scanning team collaborated with hotel management to document 95% of the rooms within a week.
The resulting 3D point cloud captured precise structural details, including vertical elevations, interior variations, and storm damage, enabling the creation of a detailed as-built model.
Result
The comprehensive model offered critical insights into the building’s structure and layout, empowering interior designers to select finishes suited to construction tolerances. This documentation played a pivotal role in restoring the hotel’s distinctive elegance while addressing the damage caused by the hurricane.
