BIM Scientific Literature Review for Existing Buildings and a Theoretical Method: Proposal for Heritage Data Management Using HBIM

The building information modeling (BIM) technology is a methodology that allows the exchange of information efficiently; it is used by stakeholders who participate in the building life cycle. This methodology is successfully utilized for new buildings; however its implementation in heritage architecture is still emerging. The purposes of this research are to perform an analysis on the BIM state of the art for existing buildings, to identify the knowledge gap in historic buildings, and to propose a theoretical method for heritage architecture management. To achieve these objectives, a total of 65 articles and papers have been analyzed. These documents were grouped into five categories, and conclusions were drawn. Furthermore, a theoretical method was proposed by reviewing the BIM literature and by inventorying the monument’s needs. The results illustrate the emerging state of BIM for heritage architecture, also called historic building information modeling (HBIM); there are few practical applications so far, including database management of the historic monuments. The analysis aimed to propose a method to manage architectural patrimony. In conclusion, the creation of this HBIM method for movable and immovable heritage analysis, research, documentation, and management represents progress in how the exchange of information occurs between the different professionals and stakeholders involved in architectural patrimony. This research is part of the scientific project entitled: The Design of a Database, Management Model for the Information and Knowledge of Architectural Heritage; HAR2013-41614-R, subsidized by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness through the National Programme for Research Aimed at the Challenges of Society