DI Peter Grabner | Construction department of the diocese Graz-Seckau, AT
History meets technology: Graz Cathedral as a 3D model
As part of the general renovation of Graz Cathedral, architect Peter Grabner created a detailed 3D model of the historic building. This impressive project shows how modern CAD technology and historic architecture can harmonise perfectly. It serves not only as documentation, but also as the basis for a scientific paper on the architectural history of the cathedral and was presented as part of the exhibition marking the 850th anniversary of the St. Giles' Cathedral.
From idea to implementation
The challenge was considerable: as project manager for the comprehensive renovation of Graz Cathedral, Grabner used old inventory plans (floor plans and sections) from 1980 and a current point cloud from 2023 to capture the complex Gothic structure. The technical implementation of the irregular shapes of Gothic architecture proved to be particularly challenging.
Thanks to the versatile functions of ELITECAD, especially the free forms, he was able to accurately depict the impressive vaults and filigree ornamentation of the cathedral. The renovation of the building also included furniture and lighting, for which many details and individual solutions had to be designed with ELITECAD Architecture.
The resulting 3D model of Graz Cathedral with its two connections to the neighbouring buildings was also used for the documentary film "Der Grazer Dom im neuen Glanze"(Graz Cathedral in new splendour) by Günter Schilhan.
The resulting 3D model of Graz Cathedral with its two connections to the neighbouring buildings was also used for the documentary film "Der Grazer Dom im neuen Glanze"(Graz Cathedral in new splendour) by Günter Schilhan.
Architect DI Peter Grabner:
ELITECAD Architecture offers me the flexibility to model historical objects with their irregular structures, vaulted surfaces and vault ribs.
An absolute highlight
Creating the 3D model of Graz Cathedral took around 120 to 135 hours. For Grabner, who has been working with ELITECAD since 1988, this was a welcome opportunity to combine his passion for architecture with state-of-the-art technology in a historic project. "The ability to visually represent historical construction phases and hypotheses from my research work is invaluable to my work", he explains. The project manager particularly praises the flexibility and user-friendliness of ELITECAD, which enables him to accurately capture complex objects, even if they do not have regular structures.
"The challenge of depicting Graz Cathedral in all its splendour was an absolute highlight of my career", enthuses architect DI Peter Grabner.
"The challenge of depicting Graz Cathedral in all its splendour was an absolute highlight of my career", enthuses architect DI Peter Grabner.
A view into the future
The results of the overall project will not only document the construction history of Graz Cathedral, but also serve as a basis for future research. The vision extends far beyond the renovation. Digital recording represents a significant step towards the long-term preservation of the historic building and is groundbreaking for further projects of this kind.
Thanks to the expertise and commitment of architect Peter Grabner, combined with the versatility ofn ELITECAD Architecture, this project has been a remarkable success that future generations will be able to enjoy.
Thanks to the expertise and commitment of architect Peter Grabner, combined with the versatility ofn ELITECAD Architecture, this project has been a remarkable success that future generations will be able to enjoy.
About Graz Cathedral
The St. Giles' church was first mentioned in 1174. Since then, the church has changed its appearance and function several times. Emperor Frederick III had the cathedral built between 1438 and 1464 as a court church in the late Gothic style.