The Freemasons’ Hall, an important cultural landmark and meeting place for Freemasonry, was recently damaged by fire. Freemasonry, a centuries-old fraternal tradition, is renowned for its use of allegory, ritual, and symbolism drawn from architecture and geometry. Symbols such as the square and compasses, the all-seeing eye, and references to the Temple of Solomon are often integrated into Masonic architecture, reflecting values of morality, brotherhood, and the pursuit of knowledge. Preserving both the physical structure and these symbolic elements was central to this project.

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To achieve this, the Hall was documented through comprehensive photogrammetric scanning and 3D modelling. Using drone-based and ground-based photogrammetry, high-resolution imagery was captured to create a highly detailed digital twin of the building. The survey recorded exterior facades, interior spaces, architectural details, and fire-affected areas with exceptional accuracy. Supplementary 360° photographs and video recordings provided a broader visual archive to support the model.

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The digital twin not only enabled precise condition assessment, structural analysis, and preservation planning, but was also used to extract and refine architectural drawings. These accurate drawings provided a critical foundation for bills of quantities, repair documentation, and restoration design. By integrating advanced mapping techniques, the project delivered reliable data to guide practical restoration work while also establishing a long-term digital record for heritage conservation.

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Beyond its technical outcomes, the project safeguarded a site of architectural, symbolic, and cultural significance, ensuring that both its physical fabric and the traditions it embodies remain accessible to future generations.