Old buildings need new ideas: Holistic integration of conservation-restoration process data using Heritage Building Information Modelling

The preservation of cultural heritage and the renovation, restoration and remodelling processes could benefit greatly from Building Information Modelling (BIM) workflows being established. Currently, experts are involved with fractionated workflows, where a lot of data are missing, become lost or are duplicated by different stakeholders. All the resulting confusion severely impacts on the preservation of heritage as well as the efficiency of its restoring/remodelling/revitalizing from the point of view of current needs. Heritage information is usually conveyed through conservation-restoration plans and guidelines In this research, a new methodology for managing the information holistically integrated into the BIM is proposed. The workflow is showcased on a demo-case building that is protected as cultural heritage. Consequently, the conservation plan becomes more accessible, not only for stakeholders in heritage, but also stakeholders responsible for the renovation, such as architects and contractors. This can result in an improved understanding of the heritage and a better revitalization.