HBIM

HBIM has emerged in recent years as an innovative tool that is transforming the documentation, analysis, and management of cultural heritage sites. With its roots in classical Building Information Modelling (BIM), HBIM goes beyond purely geometric 3D modelling by integrating historical, semantic, and material data. This methodology opens new perspectives for archaeology by combining technological precision with the complexity of historical interpretation.

Traditional archaeological practice was often marked by destructive excavation methods and fragmented documentation. HBIM offers an approach that not only stores data but also analyses, visualises, and preserves it for future generations. Especially in archaeology, where context is essential, HBIM represents a paradigm shift.

HBIM is a specialised extension of BIM developed specifically for historic and cultural buildings. The focus lies not only on geometry—supported by digital technologies such as laser scanning, photogrammetry, and point cloud processing—and the materials of the buildings, but also on the historical information:

• Historical data: Integration of texts, drawings, documents, construction phases, archaeological interpretations, and cultural context.

• Semantic data: Detailed descriptions of materials, conditions, damages, and usage contexts.

• Dynamic use: Enables phase analysis and virtual reconstructions.

The HBIM workflow includes several steps:

• Data acquisition: Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), photogrammetry, and UAV-based methods provide the foundation.

• Data processing: Point clouds are segmented, modelled, and enriched with metadata. Orthophotos are generated for precise damage assessment.

• Modelling: Parametric modelling enables the creation of intelligent objects.

• Data management: Open standards such as IFC ensure interoperability.

• Automated analysis: Tools such as Holistically Nested Edge Detection (HED) can detect cracks and material damage.

• Statistical evaluation: Surface, extent, and typology of damage can be integrated into HBIM for further analysis.

The use of HBIM has advanced in recent years but is not yet fully established. Still, it provides considerable advantages for archaeological research:

• Documentation: Accurate digital models preserve the current state of buildings.

• Analysis: Models allow the study of materials, structural loads, and construction phases.

• Reconstruction: Hypothetical models help visualise lost phases or original designs.

• Conservation: Data supports sustainable restoration strategies.

• Public engagement: HBIM models can be shared through immersive technologies such as AR/VR.

Case studies highlight the potential of HBIM:

• City walls of Pisa: Automated workflows combining geometry and material documentation.

• Casa de Pilatos, Seville: TLS and parametric modelling of complex geometries.

• AlDeir Monument, Petra: Deep learning combined with HBIM for damage analysis and new parametric libraries.

Despite these advances, widespread use is still limited by technological, financial, and methodological challenges.

A key enabler for practical HBIM application is the availability of dedicated object libraries. Existing BIM libraries are generally designed for modern buildings and do not reflect the irregular geometries and complex details of historical architecture. HBIM-specific libraries for Archicad close this gap:

• Tailored objects: Parametric GDL objects reproduce historic building elements with irregular shapes and proportions.

• Extended metadata: Each object can include material descriptions, condition data, and historical references.

• Custom measurement systems: Alternative units, such as ancient cubits or traditional feet, can be integrated to reflect historical accuracy.

• Research-driven design: Libraries are often developed in the context of archaeological projects, ensuring scientific reliability.

These libraries provide a practical foundation for archaeologists, architects, and conservators to model cultural heritage more efficiently and with greater fidelity to the original structures.

Existing HBIM Libraries for Archicad

In addition to official sources, several specialised third-party providers offer high-quality GDL objects tailored for HBIM:

• → Salzburger Planwerkstatt – quickArch product line with parametric vault objects for accurate as-built documentation.

• → ArchiRADAR – online shop with a dedicated HBIM category, including modular vaulting systems.

• → b-prisma (on this website) – currently developing a dedicated HBIM library as a growing resource.