Enhancing HBIM-to-VR workflows: Semi-automatic generation of virtual heritage experiences using enriched IFC files

In recent years, the digitization of Cultural Heritage (CH) has gained momentum, with Historical Building Information Modeling (HBIM) playing a vital role in developing services that enhance the understanding of built heritage. However, current HBIM-to-VR workflows, crucial for Virtual Heritage Experiences (VHEs), often rely on proprietary tools that may limit interoperability. To address this issue, some studies have used the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) file format which, unfortunately, lacks functionalities for VHE creation, complicating the process for non-IT users. This paper introduces a semi-automated HBIM-to-VR workflow using an enriched IFC file. The process includes a manual phase for preparing the IFC file with metadata and a subsequent automated phase where a VR platform generates a virtual visit. A use case involving the “Hall of Seasons” in Palazzo Carignano, Turin, demonstrates the workflow’s potential to improve accessibility and scalability in creating VHEs. • HBIM enhances heritage value by letting cultural information be added to BIM models. • IFC standard format can host HBIM data supporting efective heritage experiences. • A novel HBIM-to-VR workfow is proposed for heritage visits creation. • The devised VR platform semi-automates heritage visits creation from enriched IFC fles. • The use case is a virtual tour of Palazzo Carignano’s “Hall of Seasons” in Turin.