The Rackham Graduate School, a historic and landmark building on the University of Michigan’s central campus, stands as a symbol of academic excellence and scholarly tradition. Over the course of two years, EIPC was granted access to scan this iconic structure, with support from Susan Campos, the Facilities Manager, who facilitated access to this important space.

The project presented unique challenges, given the building’s complex design. EIPC’s team scanned key areas including the auditorium, the dressing room beneath the stage, and the amphitheater at the heart of the building. We also captured several conference rooms surrounding the central lecture and entertainment spaces, ensuring a complete and detailed digital model.

A distinctive feature of this scan is the focus on interior surface scans visible on the north side of the building. Unlike traditional architectural plans, which typically define space by the walls, this model presents an unconventional perspective. In this approach, the surfaces—not the walls—define the space, creating an inversion of how we typically perceive architectural volumes. Here, the walls appear absent, and the space is defined by the precise relationship between the interior surfaces and exterior facades, offering a fresh and insightful view of the building’s layout and structure.

This comprehensive 3D model not only preserves the architectural legacy of Rackham but also serves as a valuable tool for students, introducing them to lidar scanning technology and offering a hands-on learning experience.