A digital replica of the villa’s physical components was created with its potential use in the building’s future reconstruction process in mind. The model was developed by Wiktoria Winiarska and Andrzej Szymon Borkowski.

The villa was once located on Świerczewskiego Street in Celestynów. Its owner, Prof. Hilary Koprowski, was a renowned Polish virologist, discoverer, and the creator of the world’s first effective vaccine against the polio virus. His groundbreaking work brought him close to receiving the Nobel Prize, and his vaccine helped save the lives of millions. In Celestynów, the memory of him remains vivid, and for the local community, his estate was not only a local treasure but a national one as well.

The topic of “Koprówka’s” reconstruction, addressed in the research, has been a subject of discussion in the Celestynów municipality for years. For some time now, debates have been ongoing within the community over whether the building—demolished in 2004—should be rebuilt or not. The issue continues to spark lively debate among the local residents.

Work on the model

HBIM models (Heritage Building Information Modelling) can serve as a foundation in the reconstruction process of a structure in the event of its demolition or destruction. HBIM allows for the integration of various types of data, including measurement data, archival documents, laser scans, and photographs, to digitally recreate buildings that no longer exist.

The findings of the research, along with the HBIM model of “Koprówka,” may support decision-makers in taking steps toward the reconstruction of the villa on Celestynów’s grounds. Thanks to laser scans of preserved components such as windows and balustrade posts, as well as precise measurements of these elements, the model reflects the actual dimensions of the former estate. The HBIM model also preserves the historical colour scheme, structure, and detailing of individual elements.

The HBIM model of “Koprówka” – north-facing view (left) and south-facing view (right)

The research work concluded with photorealistic visualizations, an animation, a project board, and a 3D print of the HBIM model at a scale of 1:100. These outputs enable a visual assessment of the potential reconstruction. The villa could once again take its place in its original location, blending harmoniously with the surrounding environment. The generated views confirm that the reconstructed form of the building would not only be stylistically consistent with the character of the neighbouring structures but would also become a significant feature of the local landscape. Moreover, the area surrounding “Koprówka” could be arranged in an interesting and functional way, enriching the panorama of Celestynów with new aesthetic and practical value.

Professor Hilary Koprowski’s dream was to see “Koprówka” rebuilt and repurposed for museum use (e.g., a Museum of Vaccinology). The developed HBIM model could serve as a foundation for announcing an architectural and urban planning competition for the site’s development or be used as part of a grant application for external funding. The research findings were also presented at the International Scientific–Technical Conference “Revitalization and Land Development of Post-Industrial and Degraded Areas.”