Application of BIM technology in the processes of documenting heritage buildings

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is present for more than two decades in domain of new build construction, and is already gaining certain levels of maturity. In the centre of this technology stands a 3D model, consisting of intelligent objects, as an infrastructure for all non-geometric information. Theoretically the model is accessible to all participants of the processes of building conception, design, construction and use, until the end of its life cycle. In domain of built heritage, however, BIM is still a new technology that needs to be tested and examined on various examples, from different points of view. In this study we are focused on selected cases from international practice, in which BIM has been applied in heritage domain with aim to examine the technology, its usefulness and various purposes of its application. The three analysed cases (Harmondsworth Barn, Manchester Town House Restoration and Sydney Opera House) are selected by diversity, searching for different building sizes, significance, chronologic appearance and functionality, as well as by BIM application purposes. All of the selected cases of BIM application are part of wider research projects financed by either government agencies, ministries or city councils. Methodologically this study is based on the analysis and comparison of the contents of detailed research reports accompanying each of the considered cases. After giving a general introduction of BIM technology, in this paper we are highlighting some specificities of BIM application for the heritage buildings and places. The paper proceeds with brief analyses of each of the three cases, than a comparison of initial data and the main findings. After that, a discussion of possible generalization of the main findings is given. The paper concludes with a set of general directions for the possible BIM technology application in domain of built heritage.