Digital Reconstruction of the New Synagogue in Breslau: New Approaches to Object-Oriented Research

Computer-aided 3D-modelling and visualisation are widely used in the examination and communication of historical architecture. In the case of a no-longer existing, demolished or seriously altered building, source-based, digital 3D-reconstruction represents an appropriate methodology of approach to this kind of research object. Digital models and their visualisation have, however, been criticised from the start for their lack of transparency as well as for the interoperability and sustainability of the research data. The following article focuses on a new type of research methodology, presented by the digital 3D-reconstruction of the New Synagogue in Breslau (demolished 1938). In this case, the (Historic/Heritage) Building Information Modelling method adopted from contemporary building industry engages with concerns relating to a period building in a broad socio-cultural context as well as with the need of comprehensive documentation of the sources, their interpretation and a source-based hypothetical 3D-reconstruction in human- and machine-readable form.