Learn about the digital strategy that drove the restoration of the Michigan State Capitol

The Michigan State Capitol is an important historic landmark and a unique structure that boasts over 9.5 acres—more than nine football fields—of meticulously hand-painted decorative surfaces, with no two rooms decorated alike. Charles Thompson of Quinn Evans delves into the extensive restoration and digitization efforts that have been used to preserve it. He describes the transformation from a partitioned, maze-like structure to its original grandeur through a multi-million dollar restoration. Emphasizing the importance of historic preservation, Thompson discusses how his team has leveraged modern technologies like Autodesk Tandem to create a comprehensive digital twin of the Capitol. This digital framework not only consolidates vast amounts of historical and operational data but also enhances accessibility and usability for future preservationists. By digitizing the Capitol's physical and operational history, they ensure that the legacy of past builders and artisans is honored and preserved for future generations.

About the speaker

Charles Thompson is a preservation architect that actively works on advancing the field in new and innovative ways. He has worked on integrating new and emerging technologies with historic structures including some of the nation’s most famous landmarks, such as the National Air and Space Museum, Arlington National Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington Memorial Bridge, Michigan State Capitol, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon. As an associate at Quinn Evans and long-standing member of the Heritage practice area, Charles provides valuable insight and leadership in incorporating the latest advancements in design technology in established preservation workflows. He is also co-chair of the Heritage Committee for the US Institute of Building Documentation.

AU Classes

Past Meets Future: Preserving History with Digital Twins

AU Articles

Digital Twins for Historic Preservation