Measured, not imagined
Survey data is treated as the primary geometric evidence. Missing information is not silently invented.
Historic Building Information Modelling
HBIM for conservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse.
Heritage BIM combines reality capture, historical evidence, and structured digital modelling. Its value lies not only in visualisation, but in creating a coordinated record that can support decisions throughout a heritage project.
Purpose before detail
The model should serve the conservation question.
A model created for early design studies does not need the same geometry or information as one created for measured documentation, restoration planning, or asset records.
PC2BIM defines the intended use first, then proposes a modelling strategy that balances accuracy, detail, file performance, and interpretability.
Potential HBIM uses
- Existing-condition documentation.
- Conservation and restoration design.
- Adaptive reuse and renovation planning.
- Historic phase and change analysis.
- Communication with authorities and stakeholders.
- Research, education, and digital archiving.
Modelling principles
Respect the character of historic fabric.
HBIM should not force complex heritage geometry into an oversimplified catalogue of ideal components.
Irregular, not “corrected”
Significant deviations, non-orthogonal walls, uneven openings, and historic deformation may be retained where relevant.
Structured, not overloaded
Detail is added according to project need. Excess geometry can make models fragile and difficult to use.
Transparent, not falsely precise
Assumptions, simplifications, uncertain areas, and survey limitations can be documented in delivery notes.
Source integration
Point clouds and archives tell different parts of the story.
Reality capture records current visible conditions. Archival sources can explain previous configurations, concealed elements, missing features, and historical change.
- Terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetry.
- Historic floor plans, elevations, and survey drawings.
- Photographs, reports, inventories, and written descriptions.
- On-site observations and project-team interpretations.
Planning a heritage digitisation project?
Share the intended use of the HBIM, the available evidence, and the outputs your team needs.