EIPC recently undertook a project to document a vibrant mural painted on the University of Michigan's North Campus Aerospace Wind Tunnel dome. With the building facing impending demolition, the initiative aimed to carefully preserve the mural's intricate details for archival purposes and as a tribute to the artist.

The mural, titled "The Order of the Spheres," was created by renowned artist Roberto Juarez in October 2010. Commissioned by the College of Engineering, Juarez designed the artwork to reflect "wind" and movement. He achieved this through wide, contrasting bands of color representing earth, water, and fire, with overlaid circles symbolizing velocity and wind. Juarez drew inspiration from Indian stupas and the handmade quality of the wind tunnel structure, celebrating a unique blend of art and engineering.

To capture this complex artwork before its loss, cutting-edge documentation technologies were utilized. A FARO 3D Focus Lidar Scanner captured precise three-dimensional point clouds, creating a comprehensive digital model. Complementing this, aerial photogrammetry provided high-resolution imagery for detailed 2D and textured 3D models. This aerial data collection was a collaborative effort with graduate students from the School of Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), whose expertise was invaluable. The documentation was completed well in advance of the demolition.

This project's primary goals were twofold: to create an exhaustive digital archive for historical and academic reference, ensuring future appreciation, and to provide the artist with a lasting digital record of their work. Ultimately, this endeavor highlights the powerful intersection of engineering, science, and the arts, demonstrating how advanced tools and scientific principles can creatively preserve artistic legacies, enriching our cultural heritage and solving real-world challenges.