Preserve.Archi is a non-profit initiative introduced by Marc Teyssier, Deputy Director of the Institute for Future Technologies at De Vinci Higher Education. It aims to build a comprehensive digital archive of small-scale architectural heritage, starting with a pilot project in the city of Nantes.
A European initiative to make overlooked architectural heritage accessible through 3D scanning
Preserve.Archi: Making invisible heritage visible
Many architectural sites with historical or cultural value are not documented due to their modest scale or limited visibility.
These sites, often ignored in traditional heritage preservation frameworks, can now be captured with unprecedented precision using accessible technology.
Thanks to recent advances in AI and photogrammetry, Preserve.Archi focuses on creating high-precision 3D models from brief drone flights. This opens new possibilities for restoring, studying, and disseminating cultural heritage that would otherwise remain undocumented.
Technology: fast, light, and accurate
Preserve.Archi uses consumer-grade drones combined with a cutting-edge technique known as Gaussian Splatting, developed by INRIA.
This method allows for a full 3D scan in just five minutes, with results showing a 5 cm level of detail. The speed and affordability of this process make it suitable for widespread use by local authorities and heritage actors.
A first-of-its-kind model in Nantes
Nantes could become the first diocese to archive its entire set of religious monuments digitally. This prototype paves the way for other regions in Europe to replicate the initiative, fostering a more inclusive and representative documentation of built heritage.
Partnerships and support
Backed by the Institute for Future Technologies and De Vinci Higher Education, Preserve.Archi brings together a network of academic, municipal, and technical partners.
The project invites municipalities and cultural institutions to collaborate by facilitating drone access to their heritage sites.
The scanned monuments will be integrated into a publicly accessible digital platform to ensure not only the conservation of these buildings but also their use in educational, touristic, and cultural mediation contexts. By removing physical and geographical barriers, Preserve.Archi contributes to broadening public engagement with heritage.
Interested in contributing to the future of cultural heritage? Find out more about the Institute for Future Technologies and how to support Preserve.Archi.