In an era where climate change and aging infrastructure pose significant challenges to global sustainability, the preservation of critical infrastructure and the optimization of energy use have never been more important. The U.S. is home to numerous heritage buildings and structures that play a key role in its cultural and historical fabric, yet many face the threat of deterioration. Ensuring the continued functionality and energy efficiency of these buildings is essential for preserving the nation’s heritage while advancing sustainability.

As the need to preserve these critical infrastructures grows, technology has emerged as a vital solution. Cutting-edge innovations like laser scanning and Building Information Modeling (BIM) are now transforming the way we approach both historical preservation and energy management. These technologies provide detailed 3D representations of structures, which allow for efficient restoration, monitoring, and optimization of energy use, extending the lifespan of these valuable assets.

Ayoola Akanbi Olorunnishola, a current Master’s degree student in Civil Engineering at the University of Wyoming, has been at the forefront of this technological revolution. With a focus on laser scanning technologies and energy modeling, Ayoola is leveraging the power of these tools to preserve critical U.S. infrastructure while improving energy sustainability. His work is not only advancing the field of heritage preservation but is also laying the groundwork for addressing pressing global issues related to climate change and energy efficiency.

Ayoola’s work specifically involves the creation of “as-built” drawings for historical buildings, a process that captures the precise dimensions and characteristics of structures using laser scanning. This method provides a high level of accuracy and detail, which is crucial for the preservation of heritage buildings that might otherwise face degradation due to age or environmental factors.

One of the most notable projects that Ayoola has been involved is the “as-built” drawing of the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park, a national landmark with significant historical value.

Through laser scanning, Ayoola and his team was able to create an incredibly detailed 3D model of the building, which can now be used for future restoration efforts. The results of this project were so impressive that Ayoola was invited to present his findings at the prestigious 2024 ASCE International Conference on Computing in Civil Engineering (i3CE). This conference, which addresses global challenges, provided Ayoola with a platform to share his innovative approach to using laser scanning for the preservation of critical U.S. infrastructure.

Ayoola’s work doesn’t stop at preserving the physical structure of heritage buildings. He has gone a step further by integrating energy modeling into his research. By utilizing laser-scanned point cloud data, Ayoola has conducted energy modeling of the Laramie Railroad Depot, another critical infrastructure in the U.S. This project focused on improving the energy efficiency of the building through retrofit simulations, which can significantly reduce energy consumption and operational costs.

His efforts in integrating Scan-to-BIM with energy modeling are part of a broader movement toward optimizing energy use in historical buildings without compromising their architectural integrity. The outcome of his work on the Laramie Railroad Depot is now part of his Master’s thesis, which he will present at the University of Wyoming later this year. This project has important implications for energy sustainability in the U.S., especially as the nation works toward its goals of reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency in older buildings.

Ayoola’s work on heritage buildings aligns with global efforts to utilize digital preservation for restoration. The tragic fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris underscored the importance of this technology. Prior to the fire, a detailed 3D model of the cathedral had been created using laser scanning. This model became a vital resource for restoring the structure to its former glory after the fire.

Ayoola’s work on the Old Faithful Inn and the Laramie Railroad Depot mirrors this innovative approach to safeguarding cultural and historical landmarks, ensuring that these structures not only survive but thrive for future generations.

Ayoola’s ambition extends beyond the borders of the U.S. In an interview, he shared his vision of extending the benefits of these preservation and energy optimization techniques to Nigeria, where critical infrastructure is also at risk.

“In this era of technology, Nigeria has the potential to harness digital preservation and energy modeling to protect its historical landmarks while also improving the energy efficiency of its buildings,” Ayoola explained. “My goal is to bring this technology to Nigeria, helping to safeguard the nation’s rich cultural heritage while supporting sustainable development.”

Ayoola’s work not only holds promise for preserving the U.S.’s critical infrastructure but also provides a model that can be replicated in countries facing similar challenges. By integrating laser scanning, energy modeling, and AI-driven technologies, Ayoola aims to bridge the gap between heritage preservation and sustainability in both the U.S. and Nigeria.

Ayoola Olorunnishola’s work represents the intersection of cutting-edge technology and heritage preservation. Through the use of laser scanning and artificial intelligence, he is tackling some of the most pressing challenges in the preservation of U.S. infrastructure while advancing sustainability. His innovative work has been recognized at an international level, and his research holds the potential to change the way we approach the restoration and energy optimization of critical infrastructure worldwide.

As Ayoola continues his research and expands the impact of his work, both in the U.S. and globally, his endeavours are a testament to how technology can preserve the past while ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.