A basic knowledge of architectural history and fundamental technical drawing skills is required. Familiarity with 2D and 3D CAD modeling tools is useful, though not essential.

The laboratory aims to introduce the fundamental principles of Heritage BIM (HBIM) through a practical approach to the digital modeling of architectural cultural heritage.

At the end of the course the student will have acquired:

• Knowledge and understanding: Understanding of the general principles of the BIM methodology, the specifics of HBIM, relevant standards, and the reference authorities.

• Applying knowledge and understanding: Skills in BIM-based modeling of an architectural cultural heritage asset.

• Autonomy of judgment: Ability to define the main characteristics of an HBIM model based on a specific “use” of the model, typical of information management throughout the asset’s life cycle.

• Communication skills: Ability to interact effectively with various stakeholders and professionals involved in the information production and management processes.

• Learning skills: Ability to independently update one’s knowledge on technological and methodological developments in HBIM modeling.

The course includes:

• Lectures supported by PowerPoint or PDF presentations for the introduction of theoretical content;

• Guided laboratory activities, during which students will carry out the BIM modeling of a case study and several recurring use cases in HBIM;

• Use of software tools such as Autodesk Revit (student version), Blender, and other open-source tools for image processing;

• In-class sharing of modeling procedures carried out by the instructor.

Examination Requirements and Assessment

Submission of the modeling case completed during the laboratory is required for access to the exam.

The exam consists of:

1. Practical HBIM modeling exercise using specific software, aimed at evaluating the ability to apply the skills acquired;

2. Written test with open-ended questions, designed to assess theoretical knowledge of the topics covered.

Assessment will be based on the following criteria:

• Knowledge and understanding of the content;

• Ability to apply knowledge and understanding;

• Clarity and correctness of presentation;

• Argumentation skills and autonomy of judgment.

During the course, the following topics will be covered:

• Introduction to Building Information Modelling (BIM): principles, object-oriented programming paradigm, and applications to building and infrastructure modeling;

• Elements of the BIM methodology: collaboration, interoperability, parametric modeling;

• National regulations and international standards;

• Setting up an architectural model in Revit;

• Modeling exercises for contemporary architectural elements (walls, doors, windows, floors, roofs, etc.);

• Introduction to Heritage BIM (HBIM): specific characteristics, differences compared to BIM for contemporary architecture, case studies from the scientific literature;

• Surveying techniques and scan-to-BIM, with particular reference to photogrammetry;

• BIM modeling of historical elements (rubble masonry, arches, vaults, Greco-Roman architectural elements, etc.);

• Use of local masses for complex modeling;

• Presentation and development of the year-long case study: photographic survey, point cloud generation and segmentation, object modeling;

• BIM uses and definition of the Level of Information Needs (LOIN);

• Information enrichment of the case study model.

Teaching Materials
Teaching materials include presentations provided by the instructor, with bibliographic and online references.

Students who do not attend classes must submit an HBIM model related to a use case developed independently in a chosen authoring software. It should be noted that the provided presentations primarily cover the use of Revit and Blender.

In addition to the presentations provided during the course, the following texts may be useful:

• Alessandra Tata, Procedure for HBIM Modeling of Architectural Heritage, © Publica, Alghero, 2023, eBook ISBN 978-88-99586-34-8. Published October 15, 2023.

• Sacks, R., Eastman, C., Lee, G., & Teicholz, P. (2018). BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Designers, Engineers, Contractors, and Facility Managers. John Wiley & Sons.