HBIM approach for heritage protection: First experiences for a dedicated training

Abstract

The BIM (Building Information Modelling) approach has been extensively studied in the case of new buildings and existing heritage (where it gained the term HBIM where H refers to Historic or Heritage). Numerous researchers have studied its applicability to cultural heritage conservation design, focusing on Scan2BIM processes, ontologies, semantic segmentation, and parametric modeling. But to ensure the applicability of the HBIM approach in the heritage sector, it is also necessary to verify that the various actors in the sector are ready to use it. The legislation foresees a growing adoption of this system in all areas of Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector. Nevertheless, it is necessary to understand if the National administration entities are prone to implement it in their own processes. This article deals precisely with the training and research experience carried out in collaboration with the Superintendence of Aosta (the government department responsible for monuments, the environment, and historical buildings preservation) to understand whether the State preservation institution can actually use this system in its activities and, if so, to understand which actions need to be undertaken to ensure full interoperability in the heritage preservation sector as well. The activities carried out included a training course (update) designed with a specific scenario in mind: The HBIM model as a means of transferring the restoration project to the Superintendence, as a way for evaluating the model, and as a place for expressing opinions and comments. The training included a simulation involving a conservation design on the Tour De Pailleron of Aosta.