Digital narratives of the past: leveraging HBIM for inclusive and data-driven heritage documentation

Purpose This study investigates the application of Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) in the digital documentation and lifecycle management of historic structures. It aims to evaluate how HBIM supports efficient and sustainable heritage conservation through accurate 3D modelling and data integration. The research further examines and compares the capabilities and limitations of widely used HBIM software, with particular attention to documentation performance. A case study of scan-to-BIM modelling of Castiglioni College in Pavia, Italy, is undertaken to explore practical implementation and assess the effectiveness of HBIM in capturing and managing complex heritage information. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method approach was adopted, combining a systematic literature review with practical implementation. Qualitative analysis of existing HBIM studies was integrated with quantitative parametric modelling processes. A structured HBIM framework was developed to represent geometric, material, and semantic attributes of heritage assets. Comparative evaluation of leading HBIM software tools was conducted based on functionality and limitations. The methodology was validated through a scan-to-BIM case study of Castiglioni College, where point cloud data were processed and converted into an HBIM model to assess accuracy, workflow efficiency, and integration of multi-source data. Findings The results demonstrate that HBIM enables comprehensive documentation by integrating geometric, semantic, and historical data into a unified digital environment, improving visualization and supporting conservation decision-making. The scan-to-BIM case study confirmed the effectiveness of HBIM in accurately modelling complex heritage structures, though challenges remain in handling irregular geometries and data integration. Software comparison revealed that no single HBIM platform is universally optimal; instead, performance varies depending on project requirements such as restoration focus, modelling complexity, and available resources. Effective implementation, therefore, requires context-specific tool selection and careful workflow design. Originality/value This study contributes to the growing field of digital heritage by providing an integrated evaluation of HBIM processes, software tools, and practical application through a real-world case study. It bridges the gap between theoretical frameworks and applied methodologies by demonstrating a structured workflow for scan-to-BIM modelling. The research offers critical insights into software selection and data integration challenges, supporting more informed decision-making in heritage conservation. By aligning HBIM implementation with sustainability and lifecycle management principles, the study advances the role of digital technologies in preserving architectural heritage.