“New evolutions” in the field of three-dimensional modeling are profoundly changing the way in which cultural and architectural heritage is managed and valorized, opening the way for multiple innovative considerations and applications.
A representative example of these new methodologies is the contribution entitled “Scan-to-BIM procedures for typological analysis and philological reconstruction of the Almonecir castle in Spain”. This project uses the scan-to-BIM methodology to build an integrated parametric information system, which relates the castle to its historical and cultural context. The digital reconstruction allows not only a detailed typological analysis of the monument, but also a philological reconstruction, ensuring fidelity to the original characteristics of the castle. This methodology is essential for the conservation and management of historical assets and for practical applications such as tourism, especially in the Valencian Community.
Another crucial topic concerns the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in BIM procedures, as shown in the contribution “H-BIM models generation with artificial intelligence”. Here, advanced semantic segmentation and automatic hierarchization techniques improve the management of complex data obtained from three-dimensional surveys. This approach facilitates the creation of accurate and optimized H-BIM models through a semi-automatic workflow based on hierarchical classification, accelerating and refining the modeling process for the conservation of cultural heritage.
In the field of historical heritage management, the contribution “Damage survey management: IFC models for historical heritage” presents the OpenHBIM approach, based on IFC standards, to digitize damage information on historical buildings. Through a structured and interoperable database, this system allows collaborative management of information, improving efficiency in monitoring and conservation of buildings, and facilitating advanced structural analyses.
In parallel, the article “BHoM & Structural Engineering – A Specialized Approach in Multidisciplinary Projects” shows how interoperability and advanced algorithmic workflows, enabled by the Building and Habitat Object Model (BHoM), are transforming structural engineering. This open-source tool improves multidisciplinary collaboration and allows for the management of complex projects, as demonstrated in the case of a large-scale redevelopment project in Saudi Arabia, where the BHoM facilitated the development of advanced algorithmic workflows.
The article “Informative Ecosystems and HBIM. The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli from Survey to Facility Management” illustrates how BIM can optimize the management of cultural heritage, integrating historical and architectural information with structural monitoring for efficient Facility Management. This HBIM approach is particularly useful for the conservation and management of complex historical buildings, allowing a holistic and detailed view of the monument to plan maintenance and restoration interventions proactively.
The paper “Digital Transition and University Building Heritage. Innovations and Challenges in the Teaching of Engineering Courses” focuses on the training of engineers and architects in the context of the digitalization of the university building heritage. The research explores the importance of scan-to-BIM techniques in university courses, analyzing how the digital transition is transforming the way of teaching and managing survey and parametric modeling projects of existing buildings.
Finally, the article “Parametric implementation of urban microclimate models of historic villages” completes this overview with the application of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to study the microclimate of historic villages. Thanks to a parametric workflow based on Visual Programming Languages (VPL), it is possible to model the behavior of the microclimate in different temporal and environmental contexts, providing valuable data for the conservation and sustainable management of these sites.
In conclusion, these “new evolutions” in three-dimensional modeling are radically transforming the way we manage, preserve and enhance our historical and cultural heritage, thanks to a growing integration between technology, artificial intelligence and collaborative data management.
Tommaso Empler (Sapienza Università di Roma)