Science city of Darmstadt relies on modern construction research to save a unique cultural monument
As part of a press conference, the science city of Darmstadt, together with the Rheinmain University of Rhein and the TU Darmstadt, presented a digital research project on the monument -friendly renovation of the Mausoleum of the Von Herff family. The results come from a master's thesis by Timo Vössing (Rheinmain University of Applied Sciences), which contained a three -dimensional construction of the mausoleum in the old cemetery.
The starting point was a scaffolding in October 2024 as part of the urgently needed roof renovation. The survey enabled a precise state analysis of the plaster facade, in which numerous damage was documented - including moisture, vegetation and cleaning points.
With the help of a 3D laser scan, a deformation-loving digital model , on the basis of which a so-called "Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM)" model was developed. This combines restoration, construction and building historical knowledge and will in future serve as the basis for further renovation.
Maintaining the cultural monument in the focus
Head of monument protection Michael Kolmer emphasizes the importance of the building:
"This remarkable Darmstadt cultural monument has to be secured and preserved for the future. I am pleased that we can take a first step with the measure on the roof of the mausoleum and am grateful through the good cooperation with the TU Darmstadt and the Rhein-Main University of Applied Sciences."
The master's thesis, supervised by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Friedmar Voormann (Rhein-Main University of Applied Sciences) and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Clemens Brünenberg (TU Darmstadt) underlines the opportunities of digital methods for monument conservation. Vössing himself says:
"I hope that such models will help to organize restorative work better in the future and to protect monuments more sustainably."
Start of measures in April - funding is checked
In April 2025, the renovation of the copper roof based on the historical model should begin. The natural stone wall wreath is also a priority. The aim is to protect the building from further moisture. Further renovation steps are planned, but depending on available funding.
The mausoleum of HERFF, built in 1929, is considered a significant testimony of the Darmstadt city history with its expressionist architectural style, the dome-arched memory and the artistic design-with reliefs by Johannes Ilmari Auerbach and bronze elements of Ali Bonte-Lichtenstein.
More information
On the urban website you can find more information, photos and plans for history and construction:
👉 www.darmstadt.de/mausoleumvonherff
(Darmstadt - Red/PSD/Stip)
