BIM for Historic Restoration: How HBIM Transforms Heritage Management

Digital transformation is significantly impacting the restoration and conservation of historical heritage. Technologies such as 3D laser scanning, photogrammetry, drones, and digital twins enable extremely accurate information acquisition on existing buildings and the construction of BIM informational models characterized by a notable amount of geometric, constructive, and diagnostic data.

BIM applied to restoration offers useful tools for documenting the current state of the building heritage, coordinating project activities, scheduling interventions, and managing maintenance over time. The digital model thus serves as a dynamic archive capable of collecting surveys, historical analyses, technical data, and management information within a single shared environment.

The integration between digital surveying and informational modeling allows for improved knowledge of the historical artifact and reduces uncertainty in design choices, thanks to a verifiable and updatable informational framework at all stages of the process, from diagnosis to preservation of the asset. The implementation of such processes finds operational application within HBIM software platforms (Historical/Heritage BIM), which enable the organization and integrated management of surveys, models, and diagnostic information, supporting the activities of analysis, design, and conservation of historical heritage.

In this article, we will discover in detail what the main digital technologies for restoration projects are, what data to include in the BIM model, and through 3 applied case studies, we will see the benefits that HBIM offers for the protection of historical heritage.

Restoration enters the digital age

The conservation of historical and architectural heritage is undergoing a significant evolution thanks to the diffusion of digital technologies. Until a few years ago, the knowledge of existing buildings was primarily based on traditional surveys, graphic design, and paper archives; today it is possible to acquire, organize, and correlate a large amount of data with levels of detail and accuracy that were previously hard to achieve.

Among the tools that have transformed the sector, Building Information Modeling plays a crucial role, as it has introduced a new approach to managing information about buildings. BIM allows for the construction of digital models in which geometric, material, historical, diagnostic, and management information converge, providing an organic representation of the artifact and its transformations over time.

Digital innovation concerns the entire lifecycle of the asset: from the initial knowledge phase to the design of interventions, through to subsequent management and conservation. The integration of advanced surveying, informational models, and monitoring systems provides an updatable, shareable, and easily consultable information heritage for all parties involved in the restoration process.

Why BIM is useful in restoration

Interventions on historical heritage require an in-depth knowledge of the building and the ability to manage very diverse information. Irregular geometries, constructive stratifications, transformations that have occurred over time, heterogeneous materials, and diagnostic data make restoration a particularly complex process.

BIM allows for the collection and interrelation of all available information about the asset within a single digital model. This means that geometric data, material characteristics, investigation results, historical documentation, and design information are always interconnected and easily accessible.

The use of BIM in restoration offers numerous advantages:

• centralizes information related to the artifact in a single digital environment;
• facilitates coordination among designers, restorers, specialists, and companies;
• reduces the risk of errors and inconsistencies between documents and technical data;
• supports the analysis of the conservation status of the building;
• enables tracking and documenting interventions carried out over time;
• facilitates the programming of management and maintenance activities.

The benefits become particularly evident during the preparation of the restoration project, when surveys, diagnostic investigations, historical research, and technical verifications must flow into a cohesive and constantly updatable knowledge framework.

Why BIM is useful in restoration

The main digital technologies for restoration

The application of BIM for historic restoration to cultural heritage is based on the integration of various digital technologies that support surveying, analysis, modeling, and information management activities. Each of these plays a specific role within the process of understanding the artifact and contributes to the construction of increasingly accurate and complete informative models.

From reality capture systems to monitoring platforms, digital tools allow for collecting reliable data, documenting the conservation status of buildings, and supporting design decisions throughout all stages of the intervention.

Below we analyze the main digital technologies used in restoration and their use in surveying, modeling, and managing architectural heritage.

3D Laser Scanners for Surveying Historic Buildings

Laser scanning systems enable the acquisition of millions of points in space and produce an extremely accurate three-dimensional representation of the building. The technology proves to be particularly useful in the case of historical artifacts characterized by complex geometries, irregular surfaces, and architectural details that are difficult to capture with traditional methods.

The main advantages of laser scanning include:

• high metric accuracy;
• speed of data acquisition;
• ability to capture complex and decorative elements;
• reduction of direct measurement activities on the artifact;
• availability of digital data immediately usable in subsequent work phases.

The information collected provides a reliable basis for documenting the existing state and for the subsequent BIM modeling of the existing structure.

Digital Photogrammetry for Surfaces, Facades, and Architectural Details

Digital photogrammetry allows for the reconstruction of three-dimensional models from photographic images taken from the ground or aerial platforms. Thanks to the high level of detail obtainable, this technology finds extensive application in surveying facades, decorative elements, sculptural elements, and surfaces characterized by particular geometric or material complexities.

Among the main advantages of photogrammetry are:

• accurate acquisition of surfaces and architectural details;
• high-resolution three-dimensional restitution;
• availability of chromatic and material information;
• ability to document large portions of the building in a short time;
• integration with other digital survey technologies.

For this reason, photogrammetry represents a fundamental tool in architectural surveying activities today, especially when it is necessary to document in detail the conservation status of surfaces and decorations. The data obtained can be integrated with data from other surveying technologies and used to construct BIM models that increasingly adhere to the real characteristics of the artifact.

Drones for Surveys in Complex or Hard-to-Reach Areas

The use of drones has greatly expanded the possibilities for data acquisition in the field of restoration. These tools allow for the surveying of building portions that are difficult to access, such as roofs, bell towers, towers, monumental facades, and areas subject to specific safety constraints.

The use of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) systems offers several advantages:

• quick access to areas that cannot be reached from the ground;
• reduction of risks for operators;
• acquisition of high-resolution images;
• support for aerial photogrammetry activities;
• ability to conduct periodic monitoring campaigns.

The information collected can be integrated with laser scanner and ground photogrammetric surveys, which ensure a more comprehensive understanding of the historic building.

Point Clouds to Document the Current State

Digital survey technologies produce a large amount of three-dimensional data that describe the building’s geometry with high precision. The result of these acquisitions is the point cloud, that is a set of millions of spatial coordinates that faithfully reproduce the shapes, sizes, and characteristics of the artifact.

The use of point clouds offers numerous advantages:

• accurate representation of the current state;
• ability to take measurements and verifications at any time;
• identification of deformations, damage, and geometric irregularities;
• support for analysis and design activities;
• informational basis for the BIM modeling of the existing structure.

The quality of the final model largely depends on the accuracy and completeness of the data acquired in this phase. The management and conversion of point clouds into informational models is carried out using specific point cloud to BIM software, which allow for data processing and their transformation into three-dimensional BIM models.

BIM Modeling of the Existing Structure

BIM modeling of the existing structure involves the creation of a digital model that represents the building and gathers geometric, technical, and documentational information. Unlike the design of new constructions, the work on historical heritage requires the management of irregular geometries, non-standardized construction elements, and layers that have developed over time.

The scan to BIM process allows for the transformation of data acquired through laser scanning, photogrammetry, and point clouds into an interrogable and updateable informational model. The result is not limited to a three-dimensional reconstruction but constitutes a system capable of associating useful information for analysis, design, and management activities to each element.

The main advantages of BIM modeling of the existing structure include:

• integration of geometric and alphanumeric information;
• digital representation of the artifact with a high level of detail;
• coordinated management of data from different sources;
• support for design and verification of interventions;
• continuous updating of information throughout the lifecycle of the asset.

The BIM model thus becomes the reference point for all parties involved in the conservation and enhancement of the historic heritage.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality for Visualizing and Communicating the Project

Immersive technologies offer new ways to explore and communicate historical heritage. With the use of virtual reality and augmented reality, designers, conservation bodies, and clients can visualize the artifact and assess the proposed interventions before their implementation.

These tools enable a more immediate understanding of the information contained in the BIM model and improve the comparison among the different parties involved in the project.

Among the main advantages are:

• continuous monitoring of the building’s conditions;
• automatic collection and updating of information;
• timely identification of anomalies and criticalities;
• support for planning interventions;
• better control of the management activities of the asset.

The information collected can support predictive maintenance strategies, which consist of planning interventions based on the actual conditions of the artifact rather than solely relying on predetermined deadlines.

Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis for Restoration

Artificial intelligence is also finding application in the conservation sector of historical heritage, thanks to its ability to process large amounts of data and identify relationships that are difficult to detect through traditional analysis. The integration of advanced algorithms, survey data, and BIM models opens new perspectives for understanding and managing existing buildings.

Among the main applications of artificial intelligence in restoration are:

• automatic recognition of architectural elements;
• classification and cataloging of materials;
• identification of anomalies and degradation phenomena;
• support for diagnostic activities;
• development of predictive scenarios on the behavior of the artifact.

Particularly interesting are the applications dedicated to degradation analysis with BIM software, which allow for the integration of diagnostic information and historical data within a single information environment to support design decisions.

Digital technologies for restoration: 3D laser scanning, photogrammetry, drones, HBIM modeling, and AI for the knowledge and preservation of historical heritage.

What data to include in the BIM model for historic restoration

The effectiveness of a BIM model in the restoration of historic heritage depends on the quality and completeness of the information it contains. Unlike models developed for new constructions, those intended for restoration must gather data from different disciplines and describe not only the current configuration of the building but also its history, its state of conservation, and the interventions made over time.

The organization of this information within the model allows for a reliable knowledge base to support analysis, design, management, and maintenance activities of the property. Below are the main data to be included in a BIM model for historic restoration.

Geometric data

Geometric data describe shape, dimensions, and spatial characteristics of the building. They form the basis of the BIM model and generally derive from digital surveying activities.

Among the main geometric information are:

• dimensions and geometries of the building elements;
• configuration of internal and external spaces;
• morphological characteristics of the surfaces;
• deformations and geometric irregularities;
• spatial relationships between different components.

The accuracy of this data directly influences the reliability of analyses and subsequent design activities.

Material data

Knowledge of materials is a fundamental aspect in the restoration of historic buildings. The BIM model can gather information related to the physical, mechanical, and performance characteristics of the materials present in the artifact.

Among the most significant data are:

• type of construction materials;
• physical and chemical characteristics;
• original execution techniques;
• condition of the materials;
• any replacement or integration interventions.

This information supports the assessment of compatibility between existing materials and those planned for the interventions.

Historical data

Historic buildings are the result of transformations that have occurred over time. For this reason, the BIM model can integrate information useful for reconstructing the history of the artifact and its different evolutionary phases.

Among the main historical data that can be included are:

• year of construction;
• subsequent transformations and extensions;
• archival documentation;
• bibliographic sources;
• previous surveys and studies.

The availability of this information facilitates the understanding of the property and supports design choices during conservation interventions.

Diagnostic data

Diagnostic data allow for describing the condition of the building and identifying any critical issues that require specific interventions.

In the BIM model, the following can be associated:

• results of structural investigations;
• material analyses;
• degradation mapping;
• data from monitoring and sensors;
• checks on the behavior of the building.

The integration of diagnostic information allows for correlating the identified issues with the individual elements of the model and planning interventions more consciously.

Design Data

The BIM model contains all the information related to the interventions planned on the asset and serves as a support tool for design and coordination of activities.

Among the main design data are:

• planned interventions on individual elements;
• technical solutions adopted;
• design materials;
• drawings and technical datasheets;
• timelines and phases of intervention.

The integrated management of this information facilitates the control of design choices and the traceability of activities performed.

Management and Maintenance Data

One of the main advantages of BIM is the ability to use the model even after the completion of the work. The management and maintenance information allows for supporting activities necessary for the long-term preservation of the asset.

Among the data that can be associated with the model are:

• maintenance plan;
• inspection calendar;
• history of the interventions carried out;
• information on replaced components;
• operating procedures for asset management.

The continuous updating of this data helps improve the scheduling of maintenance activities and the preservation of historical heritage.

Three Application Case Studies: How HBIM Addresses the Operational Challenges of Restoration

Those who work daily on historical heritage are well aware of the difficulties involved in modeling non-standardized buildings: irregular geometries, non-uniform materials, construction techniques often undocumented, and layers accumulated over the centuries. It is precisely these characteristics that make the modeling of the existing a complex operation, and with traditional tools, particularly time-consuming. Three case studies applied to three Italian historical heritages concretely demonstrate how Heritage BIM, through the Edificius software and its dedicated module, allows for efficiently addressing these challenges.

The Challenge of Modeling an Irregular Building: The Monumental Complex of Monte in Montella

The first case study concerns the monumental complex of Monte, in Montella: a 15th-century convent that, over the centuries, has taken on different functions, from a defensive castrum to a noble residence, and finally to a place of worship and spiritual center. The complex still houses an ancient functioning aqueduct. The stratified nature of the building, characterized by irregular geometries and historical architectural elements, makes modeling particularly complex and requires high processing times with traditional HBIM tools.

The use of an HBIM software equipped with parametric libraries dedicated to historical heritage has simplified and accelerated the entire modeling process. Starting from a survey acquired through Scan to BIM technology, the point cloud was imported into the software and used to derive a reference horizontal section, on which to identify walls, openings, and other constructive elements, working synchronously between 2D representation and 3D informational model.

The preconfigured HBIM libraries allowed for the rapid modeling of typical elements of historical architecture, such as vaults, wooden floors, niches, and capitals, avoiding lengthy manual modeling operations. The integration of orthophotos into the digital model also supported an initial mapping of the crack pattern and the state of preservation. From the informational model, it was finally possible to automatically generate graphic outputs, such as floor plans, elevations, and sections, as well as three-dimensional views and renders useful for the documentation and navigation of the monumental complex.

BIM for historic restoration – Insertion of a capital using the HBIM module of Edificius software

The Difficulty of Reading and Classifying Degradation: Palazzo Gambone

Another typical critical issue in interventions on historic heritage involves the identification, classification, and representation of the degradation state of the building. The second case study, dedicated to Palazzo Gambone in Montella, shows how a HBIM software can effectively support the activities of surveying, analysis, and maintenance of historic buildings.

Starting from the survey of the building, it was possible to systematically classify damages and lesions, recording information such as the type of degradation, the severity level, possible causes, and other parameters useful for diagnosing the conservation state. The application of a georeferenced orthophoto on the digital model has allowed for precise localization of the areas affected by degradation and directly associating the information with the 3D informational model, improving the readability of the cracking framework and the sharing of data among the various stakeholders involved.

Once cataloged and classified, the information on degradation becomes an integral part of the HBIM model, from which it is possible to automatically generate 2D graphical outputs, thematic maps, and tables complete with the relevant legend. This integration of surveying, analysis, and documentation makes the planning of restoration interventions more efficient, ensuring a more accurate, traceable, and shared management of the building heritage.

BIM for historic restoration: classification of degradation on georeferenced orthophoto with Edificius

The issue of remote consultation and scattered documentation: the digital twin of Villa d’Este

One of the main challenges in the management of historical heritage is the ability to consult, share, and update information related to a building without the need to be physically on site. This need becomes even more relevant when designers, restorers, preservation agencies, and other professionals must access the same data at different times and locations.

The third case study concerns Villa d’Este, one of the most important examples of Italian Renaissance gardens from the 16th century, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The project demonstrates how an accessible cloud-based digital twin can enhance the management, consultation, and sharing of information throughout the entire lifecycle of the asset.

Through a BIM management system, the digital model can be consulted and navigated remotely by all authorized users. Geolocation on a map and navigation tools allow users to explore the 3D model, make measurements, create dynamic sections, and analyze internal spaces, as well as simulate different lighting and visualization conditions, reducing the need for site visits dedicated solely to consultation.

The digital twin also becomes a unified access point to all technical and informational documentation of the asset. Each element of the model can be associated with documents, reports, photographs, 360° images, videos, audio recordings, and other documents, creating a structured digital archive that is always updated and easily consultable by all parties involved. This approach overcomes the fragmentation of information, often distributed across archives, folders, and various media, improving data traceability and collaboration among the different actors in the process.

Integration with immersive visualization tools, such as photorealistic renders and virtual reality, also allows exploration of the site remotely, providing a useful experience for both analysis and design activities as well as for the enhancement and dissemination of cultural heritage.

Immersive visualization of the digital twin of Villa d’Este with usBIM.reality

These case studies demonstrate how HBIM can effectively support the restoration and management of historic heritage, addressing recurring challenges such as modeling complex geometries, documenting degradation, and sharing information. Thanks to the integration of surveying, informational models, and digital twins, it is possible to enhance the efficiency of the entire process, from understanding the building to planning interventions, and then managing and maintaining it over time.

If you wish to explore this approach further and discover how to manage all phases of the process, from the point cloud to the production of technical documentation, explore the features of the HBIM software for the recovery and restoration of historic buildings used in the presented case studies.

FAQ on BIM for historic restoration

What is BIM for historic restoration?

BIM for historic restoration is the application of the Building Information Modeling methodology to interventions on existing buildings and historic heritage. It allows for the collection of geometric, construction, historical, diagnostic, and maintenance data in a single digital model, improving the understanding of the artifact and supporting design, conservation, and management over time.

What is the difference between BIM and HBIM?

BIM is a methodology for the digital management of information throughout the life cycle of a building. HBIM (Historic Building Information Modeling) represents its application to historic heritage and existing buildings, integrating data derived from surveys, historical documentation, diagnostic analyses, and monitoring, in addition to parametric libraries dedicated to traditional architectural elements.

What technologies are used in BIM for historic restoration?

BIM for historic restoration integrates various digital technologies, including 3D laser scanning, photogrammetry, drones, point clouds, Scan to BIM processes, digital twins, virtual reality, and collaborative cloud platforms. The integration of these tools allows for the creation of accurate and continuously updatable informational models.

What advantages does HBIM offer in the restoration of historic buildings?

HBIM allows for improved quality of surveying and modeling, centralizes all information related to the asset, documents degradation, supports design decisions, facilitates collaboration among professionals, and enables more effective planning of maintenance and conservation of historic heritage.

What information does an HBIM model contain?

An HBIM model can include geometric data, material characteristics, historical documentation, results from diagnostic investigations, degradation mapping, design information, maintenance plans, and technical documentation related to the model’s elements, such as photographs, documents, reports, and intervention sheets.

How does the digital twin support the management of historic heritage?

A digital twin allows for remote consultation and updating of the building’s digital model, sharing documentation among all parties involved, and monitoring the condition of the asset over time. By integrating the informational model and updated data, it enhances the management, maintenance, and enhancement of historic heritage.

Can BIM be used for small historic buildings as well?

Yes. Although BIM is often associated with complex interventions or high monumental value, it can also be useful for small-sized historic buildings. The amount of information and the level of detail in the model can indeed be calibrated according to the project’s objectives, available resources, and the management needs of the owner or responsible entity.