BIM and HBIM: Comparative Analysis of Distinct Modelling Approaches for New and Heritage Buildings

Abstract

The Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodology has been applied in distinct sectors of the construction industry with a growing demonstration of benefits, supporting the elaboration of integrated and collaborative projects. The main foundation of the methodology is the generation of a three-dimensional (3D) digital representation, the BIM model, concerning the different disciplines that make up a complete project. The BIM model includes a database referring to all the information regarding the geometric and physical aspects of the project. The procedure related to the generation of BIM models presents a significant difference depending on whether the project refers to new or old buildings. Current BIM systems contain libraries with various types of parametric objects that are effortlessly adaptable to new constructions. However, the generation of models of old buildings, supported by the definition of detailed new parametric objects, is required. The present study explores the distinct modelling procedures applied in the generation of specific parametric objects for new and old constructions, with the objective of evaluating the comparative complexity that the designer faces in modelling specific components. For a correct representation of new buildings in the design phase or for the reproduction of the accurate architectural configuration of heritage buildings, the modelling process presents significant differences identified in the study.

1. Introduction

The construction industry has been adopting the BIM methodology in the preparation of projects, construction planning, and maintenance of buildings and infrastructures. The high level of implementation currently achieved worldwide has been strongly driven by government directives, in the sense of its mandatory application, but also by the recognition of the benefits referred to in scientific publications of a practical [1,2,3] and theoretical [4,5,6] nature. All projects designed under BIM platforms require the generation of a three-dimensional (3D) digital model rich in information related to the project development process and to the multiple activities elaborated over the project data, such as budgeting or building management [7,8,9]. Thus, the modelling phase is fundamental in BIM processes, and strategies must be followed leading to an accurate and rigorous geometric representation of the building. In it, the selection of objects associated with the physical properties of the applied materials must be correctly represented in the BIM model.

The generation of the 3D BIM model of the project under analysis corresponds to the first step in a BIM process. This stage is based on the use of parametric objects generated, selected and adapted to the project. For this purpose, two perspectives should be considered: modelling new buildings and modelling old buildings. In the model generation related to new constructions, the most used BIM systems contain libraries of parametric objects presenting a wide range of choices, easily adaptable to the configuration required in different disciplines that make up a complete project, namely, architecture, structures, water, gas, Wi-Fi, and electric services. The architecture presented by buildings of heritage value, which have followed the evolution of architectural trends applied in each historical period and supported on the limited knowledge related to traditional construction techniques, requires a specific modelling method for each case, making it difficult to design BIM models of rigorous configuration. In this context, the BIM model for old buildings is referred to as the Heritage Building Information Model (HBIM) [10,11], or more recently, as the biggest challenge is to represent the architectural component, a new nomenclature has been mentioned, Architectural Heritage Building Information Model (AHBIM) [12] and encapsulates the following:

• The parametric object libraries of the most used BIM software contain a large range of elements supporting the easy modelling of new projects. However, the libraries do not contain all the elements or geometric shapes required in the design of the new building, and it is necessary to spend additional modelling time in the design of new families of parametric objects. The architectural component is normally easily represented. However, the components concerning structures and water-suppling services require the modelling of elements adjusted to a correct representation of the multiple disciplines of the project. Despite the wide availability of objects that can be selected from web pages associated with software manufacturers, there is still some gap that must be overcome by the creation of new families of parametric objects. The present work identifies several situations in which the generation of specific families for the correct and complete representation of projects of all disciplines involved in the design of new buildings was carried out;
• The old building representation presents a much more demanding modelling challenge. The geometry of the architectural configuration presented by heritage buildings of noble character, historical monuments, or churches is different depending on the historical period of its construction and the institutional or particular use of it. Although each era evidences striking architectural trends based on geometric rules that can be translated through families of objects supported by geometric parameters adaptable to each concrete case, the diversity is wide. Thus, in each specific case of an old building, the required HBIM or AHBIMs need a detailed observation of the form and its translation into geometric terms in the state of specific parametric object families.

The paper describes the two perspectives of modelling, profusely illustrated with examples of building components and architectural shapes, developed in the context of academic studies. Thus, as examples of devices applied in new buildings, the process of modelling structural elements and hydraulic devices, used in the definition of structural projects and water supply networks, is described. Regarding the modelling of buildings of historical value, two case studies were considered—a palatial building of the nineteenth century, located in Lisbon (Portugal), and a castle complex built in the thirteenth century, located in Faro (Portugal), modified over the years until the present day, due to the requirement of different types of occupation.

Prior to the description of the selected case studies, the text presents a brief overview of the BIM concept and of the HBIM procedure regarding the preservation of buildings of historical interest. In addition, it reports the permanent effort of the manufacturers of building components to incorporate their product catalogue into their respective websites in the form of families of parametric objects, allowing the modeller to incorporate them directly into their model. This procedure is already well known and applied by users of BIM software. Throughout the paper, distinct modelling examples are presented with the main focus on the detailed specification of forms related to new projects or rehabilitation projects.

2. Materials and Methods

The study presents a comparative analysis of the modelling procedure applied in the development of BIM models of projects related to new or old buildings. In particular, the processes supported by the available functionalities of the Revit system, which are easier to use, such as the parametric modelling of foundations (new buildings) or families of revolution geometry shapes (old buildings), are described. The work refers to the identification of the most relevant differences between the modes of action employed in both situations. To illustrate this comparative analysis, specific structural foundation elements and water service network devices were selected for new building cases, and striking architectural aspects of different historical periods in the representation of heritage buildings were modelled (Figure 1).

• The modelling process applied to the generation of parametric objects is based on the use of the functionalities made available in the BIM systems. The examples presented in the study were created using the Revit software (version 2025) [13]. Once the option of a new family is selected in Revit, several possibilities for object classification are displayed, and the most appropriate option should be selected. In the study, and based on this functionality, different configurations of foundations and complementary pieces of pipes were generated;
• Building component suppliers try to meet the market’s needs. Thus, various companies related to the composition of prefabricated walls, sale of sanitary equipment, or distribution of air conditioner devices present families of objects that could be easily downloaded from the web pages of the respective manufacturers’ catalogues, and adjusted in scale and position inside the BIM model in generation. The disclosure way of the needed components is accessible in the format of a BIM model file, allowing users to directly insert it in the BIM model of the project under analysis. In addition, the software houses also present on the respective BIM product page, a wide variety of specific libraries referring to distinct types of equipment for immediate insertion into the BIM model. Some examples related to the sanitary equipment were addressed in the following items of the manuscript. This aspect is referred to here as a counterpoint to the HBIM modeling process;
• The beginning of the project development for preservation, maintenance, or retrofitting of historic or heritage buildings requires the completion of a first phase, corresponding to the collection of the available documents referring to the entire history correlated to the building. The first information can be retrieved from the municipal public institution where the building under analysis is located. This type of document is normally composed of drawings and reports of eventual inspections and retrofitting realized over the building over the years. In addition, a photographic survey collection must be carried out of the interior and exterior of the building. Also, a sufficient set of detailed sketches must be drawn in place in order to support a rigorous and careful modelling process from the shape of the building components. In addition, the process of collecting information can be complemented with the use of digital image capture systems, namely, drones and 3D scanner equipment. In relation to the study cases described in the text, the available institutional documentation was compiled, a wide photographic and sketches collection was obtained, and a 3D digital scanner mobile application was used.

The examples chosen to illustrate both modelling situations were selected according to the objective outlined for the comparative study are as follows: to identify the simplicity of BIM modelling when the system contains common object families and specific functionalities to support the modelling of new geometric shapes and to describe the difficulty of modelling unique and complex architectural forms, in an HBIM modelling context, using the same BIM system.

3. Background for BIM and HBIM Modelling

The development of projects based on the Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodology has been strongly implemented in recent decades worldwide, enhancing the rise in new opportunities to work in the construction activity. Furthermore, BIM reveals openings concerning BIM needs and their related project phases according to the international market’s requirements [14]. The adoption of BIM has been demanding a growing adaptation of professionals, a change in the internal organization of the construction enterprises, and a recognition of the advantages of adding value to the process of interconnecting and collaborating in the elaboration of multidisciplinary projects, supported on the generation, actualization, and supervision of BIM models.

Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) is a more recent perspective of BIM, assumed to manage projects of heritage value and historical buildings. To support the modelling process of the antique cultural environment, which is highly challenging and time-consuming, a first step concerning the capture of the available documents, drawings, or reports must be performed. Although HBIM is a promising innovation, the availability of the required families of objects is still a limitation [15]. In this direction, current works have been carried out, authored by several researchers, regarding the generation of specific parametric objects for use in HBIM and AHBIMs. A relevant attention to this aspect is presented in the paper.

3.1. BIM Modelling Support

BIM work processes are currently supported in normative guides and legal frameworks. In the European context, these mandatory standards are established by the technical committee CEN TC 442 BIM [16], added to a strong effort in the interoperability topic produced by the international organization BuildingSMART [17]. CEN TC 442 BIM contributes to establishing normative criteria that have been applied in the modelling process, using standards and classification of objects, in order to standardize BIM procedures at the European level. For example, concerning the generation of new objects, the normative refers to the distinction between spatial and real regions and to procedures concerning the association of materials to the physical objects of the structures. BuildingSMART is currently an international organization greatly involved in motivating the digital transformation of the building industry. This organization is committed to supplying BIM upgrades based on the creation and introduction of open, international standards and solutions for construction.

BIM work involves an integrated process considering the creation and management of digital models representative of the physical, functional, and geometric characteristics of buildings and infrastructures. Understanding the concept of BIM and its range of applicability in the construction industry includes the recognition of the efficiency in integration and collaboration, supported by the digital approach for designing, constructing, and managing new and old buildings [18]. The various applications of BIM across different phases of a building project begin with conceptual design through construction and facility management stages. However, throughout the development of the project, the generation, maintenance, updating, distribution, and reuse of the BIM model and its database are required [19]. In it, the BIM model is always the sustainability support of the project work.

The validation of BIM adoption in real-world projects has been demonstrated in its efficacy in aspects such as integrating data, endorsing cooperation, detecting conflicts, and supporting informed decision-making. Architects, engineers, builders, and managers have progressively known the high efficiency promoted by the use of BIM systems for modelling, visualizing, and analyzing, inspiring professionals to increase the implementation of BIM in all activities around the world [20]. The ability of BIM systems to include a greater diversity of parametric objects and diverse topics, as sanitary equipment [21] or the bridge deck [22] configurations, has contributed to the evident growing incursion of BIM in the sector. Parametric modelling is the basic fundament of BIM methodology, and as such the modellers are expected to be proficient and accurate in generating project models. The creation process in practical engineering is introduced using the available family template of the BIM software in use [23]. This capacity provides the application of BIM technology through the exploration of specific shapes of elements not available in the web pages associated with each BIM software. The present report describes distinct situations where this capacity was explored.

Currently, users of BIM systems are already quite experienced in the application and knowledge of the huge modelling functionalities of the most current software. However, considering the specificity and non-uniformity of shapes present in buildings of heritage value, the users’ knowledge is very limited, which is why the comparative analysis presents in greater detail the modelling procedure in relation to projects of old buildings. The present study aims to contribute to a greater dissemination of the limitations and potentialities that the most widely used software in the construction industry presents.

3.2. Challenges and Limitations in HBIM

The development of HBIM models emphasizes the potential for understanding and interpreting heritage buildings [24]. It supports an improved collaborative approach, driving HBIM to enhance interdisciplinary partnerships between architects, engineers, historians, and municipal technicians for practical preservation of heritage buildings [25]. More recently, the introduction of the digital information on the cultural heritage domain, has gained an important impulse, with the recognition that HBIM can play a relevant role in the understanding of the built heritage. In the generation of HBIM solutions, an important lack is identified, considering the flexibility in adapting the available parametric objects to the required accurate representation of the built heritage architecture [26]. Moreover, HBIM common workflows do not adequately agile the data consult required to analyze multiple hypotheses of preservation planning for old buildings. HBIM has attracted commitment in recent years, but the parametric topic needs to be even more researched, providing better support for the automation of the HBIM process. In addition, new techniques joining historic retrieved data and the materials properties knowledge can improve the efficiency of the generation and use of HBIMs and AHBIMs in heritage building performance analysis [27].

The HBIM model becomes not just a geometric representation but also a data repository of the information retrieved in municipal archives, including drawings, inspection reports, and eventual previous retrofitting realized over the building, providing a robust data framework for collaboration among the multidisciplinary team of stakeholders [28]. The main objective in the generation of HBIM models is to obtain realistic representations. But in it persists a certain degree of approximation of the geometric details [29].

Several authors have been studied procedures to generate new parametric families supported on the analyses of traditional architectural geometries. Quattrini et al. [30] refer that a specific challenge in HBIM is to guarantee suitability of geometrical rigorous accuracy and demonstrate the viability of the generation of a complete HBIM model for complex architectural configuration, using the 3D scanner technology. Murphy et al. [31] mention that HBIM is supported in a novel library of parametric objects created for each case, considering the historic architectural data and supported in 3D point clouds and images survey data. Angulo-Fornos et al. [32] use HBIM methodology to represent the Renaissance quadrant façade of the Cathedral of Seville, describing two distinct modelling processes, one supported on solid entities generation and the other referring to a semi-automatic generating of surfaces. Brumana et al. [33] sustained the study in a modelling process where the classifications referred to the levels of development (LOD), geometry (LOG), information (LOI), and accuracy (LOA) were analyzed. The present study explores the development of new parametric families of the selected study cases concerning two heritage buildings.

3.3. Shape Standardization in HBIM

The configuration presented by the historic building is striking for its period and follows trends, whether Medieval, Romanesque, Gothic, or even aristocratic construction with specific stone details according to the art of the stonemason and the requirements of the palace owner. However, some studies have presented standardized solutions confined to eras, types of construction (clerical or institutional), or ancient and traditional construction processes.

Confirming the difficulty in standardizing, Kamaruzaman and Solihin [34] mention, in 2019, that research in HBIM is still limited, as the concept is new and considers that the 3D modelling aspect is the main stage to be analyzed. In a refurbishing project, the HBIM model to be generated must contain sufficient information, obtained in data acquisition and data processing, in order to conceive an important tool to monitor the behaviour, performance, and deterioration of heritage buildings. However, the lack of standardization, inefficient interoperability capacity of the available systems, and inherent complexity, diversity, and volume of data are still the main limitations [35]. More recently, in 2024, Penjor et al. [10] have identified, as the main challenges in HBIM adoption, the need for specialized skills and the complexity of accurately modelling historical details. Luengo [36] carried out a photogrammetry strategy using RELux and DIALux software in the architectural representation of the church of the Dominican convent of San Jacinto in Seville (Spain), demonstrating that these tools become useful for the study of historical buildings, despite their limitations. Barhoumi and Rafika [37] present a framework for integrating the most recent 3D modelling and a digital survey technique, a scan to BIM based on the architectural representation, to accomplish the capture of the various types of architectural artefacts. The recent research of Sowder and Issa [38], dated 2025, is focused on the stage of capturing digital images of the existing buildings through 3D laser scanning. In the incorporation of standards for recording architectural heritage shapes an analysis concerning the accuracy of laser scanning and digital photo modelling, is required in order to guarantee a very high scan resolution.

In 2009, Murphy et al. [39] refer to the initial strand as an attempt to improve the application of geometric descriptive language to build complex parametric objects and to develop a library of parametric objects based on historic data, going back to Vitruvius and the 18th century architectural pattern books. After, in 2013, also Murphy et al. [31] mention that the final HBIM product is the creation of full 3D models including detailed object’s surface shape, he methods of construction and the applied, allowing users to automatically create cut sections, details and schedules, supporting the conservation of historic structures and environments.

As the process of defining standard shapes is difficult, the strategy followed by these authors mainly consists of capturing shapes observed in historical buildings through digital technologies such as 3D scanning or photogrammetry. This work identifies the initial task of capturing the observed shape through sketches made on-site, as well as a series of illustrative photographs of the actual shapes found in the selected case studies. In the second case study, a scanning technology was also used, unloaded onto mobile equipment.

4. Modelling New Object Families

The modelling process applied in the selected building cases, is essentially based on the recourse to the available facilities of the BIM system in use, the Revit (Figure 2a) [13]. In addition, several types of devices inserted to complement the BIM models were selected from catalogues available on the websites of the suppliers of equipment used in construction (Figure 2b) [40] and on the website of the BIM software manufacturer (Figure 2c) [21].

4.1. Families of Parametric Objects Applied in New Buildings

The specific cases selected to illustrate the shaping topic for new buildings refer to the modelling of structural elements representing concrete foundations of different configurations and the definition of specific components needed to connect the pipe water supply. The selected modelling examples require an appropriate modelling process for each case, as these elements are not available in the online catalogues of suppliers of this type of element. Doors, windows, or walls are construction elements that can be easily shaped through the general resources of the BIM systems.

This is a procedure already well known by BIM software users in the representation of new constructions. The selection and adaptation of objects available in the system libraries and on the various web pages associated with suppliers of materials, equipment, and devices is a common and recognized practice. Therefore, this item does not refer to the usual way of working in BIM but aims to highlight how this basic modelling procedure contrasts with the specificity of architectural representation in HBIM.

4.1.1. Structural Objects

Regarding the paving concrete representing the foundation elements, the Revit system allows modelling isolated foundations in the form of blocks, on which only one column is placed over it, and the continuous foundation type to support walls (Figure 3a) [13]. However, a current structural design often needs to consider specific feature configurations for foundation elements. In two academic works, new foundation objects of adapted geometry were required: a coupled configuration (Figure 3b) [41] and a beam/column overlapping block (Figure 3c) [42].

• Considering the structural solution of other new building cases, it was necessary to define a foundation with a specific configuration. The foundation element that supports the elevator core presents a geometric “T” shape. This configuration was designed to present a constructive advantage, as it increases the overall strength of the single foundation. A new foundation family has then been created, supported by a dimensioning parametric definition of the geometry (Figure 4). The new foundation family is archived in the company’s object library, which can be used and adjusted for other projects [43].

Figure 4. Creation of the core foundation family in “T” shape.

Figure 4. Creation of the core foundation family in “T” shape.

• In other structural projects, the rectangular foundation type was applied in a major quantity. This type of object is first selected from the system object library and then adjusted to the project. To complement the structural model, a specific foundation configuration was required. A new family, presenting an “L” shape, was then defined, allowing the structural engineer to model the required foundation element according to the geometric dimensions necessary in the project (Figure 5) [44].

Figure 5. Definition of an “L” shape foundation family.

Figure 5. Definition of an “L” shape foundation family.

The material associated with the new elements for all structural study cases was concrete. For each project, the type of cement required was selected, and the corresponding mechanical and physical properties were adjusted through the parametric object interface concerning the material characterization.

The new families, created for each selected project, were classified as structural elements, allowing the elements to be assigned to the respective mechanical properties in order to allow their use, completing the structural dimensioning task. For it, each designed structural solution, created in Revit, is transferred to a structural analysis software, and the degree of interoperability between both systems must be first verified [45].

4.1.2. Water Supply Devices

BIM models of disciplines related to building services can be modelled by the same system. The Revit system contains menus of disciplines and options, with parametric objects related to distinct facilities. The menu concerning the water supply and waste networks presents a large range of objects. In addition, other complementary elements can easily be found on web pages provided by the Autodesk software house.

• In another case study, the architectural model was first created [46]. After, and prior to initializing the modelling process of the water network, the devices usually arranged in the bathroom, were first inserted in the model, namely, the showers, the washbasins, the bathtubs, the bidets, the taps, and the toilets. These objects were downloaded from the imported BimObject website [21];
• Using the load family option, included in the Insert menu of Revit, the objects were introduced into the model. After, selecting from the systems menu of Revit, the plumbing fixture functionality was used, allowing the insertion of all the sanitary equipment inside the model (Figure 6a). Using the BimObject website, the piping elements and the accessories were initially imported. The water supply network was modelled, considering distinct pipelines for cool (blue) and hot (red) water (Figure 6b). In the present study, just the generation of a new specific water pipe device is described.

Considering distinct disciplines in a BIM model, a collision detection analysis must be realized. In the present project, a physical collision between pipes was found as follows:

• To avoid the intersection between pipes, a crossing joint device was created as a new family (Figure 6c). The family of the new accessory was first classified as a sanitary component. The orthogonal axes of the project were duplicated, having been strategically placed at the end positions limiting the accessory. From the vertical axis, two other axes were duplicated, imposing a distance from one to the other, corresponding to the definition of the total length of the element;
• The same procedures were applied to the definition of the respective diameter. Once the dimensions of the accessory have been defined, the model option has been selected, allowing to define the axis of the device, in order to later create the volume of the accessory itself. Using the sweep geometric operation, it was possible to create the volume of the accessory, supported on the selection of the corresponding axis, serving as the path that the sweep function follows.
• Later, the desired profile has been selected. In it, a circle with the due radius was considered, and the sweep command was applied, extending the circular profile along the axis, forming the required volume. The object, designed as a pipe connector, is positioned in each identified intersection, allowing it to avoid conflicts in the water supply network. The diameter of the connector has been set with the same dimension as the accessory itself. Its orientation is adjusted properly, and it is connected to the intended pipes where there were detected confluences.

4.2. Families of Parametric Objects Applied in Heritage Buildings

Monuments, groups of isolated and gathered buildings and spaces, which, due to their integration into the landscape, have a universal value from the point of view of history, art, or science [47]. As such, their protection, conservation, identification, development, and transmission to future generations are essential. Currently, great importance has been given to maintaining the cultural heritage identity [48]. The Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) concept responds to these needs, making it possible to adopt specific methods of conservation and preservation of cultural real estate, ensuring the representation of an accurate, precise model with architectural and structural quality [12]. HBIM model stores, in its database, relevant information about the heritage building, be it schematics, technical drawings, photographs, digital images, or institutional documents, making it a fundamental tool for conservation or rehabilitation projects [49].

The study of the preservation or rehabilitation of a building is prepared based on a detailed architectural survey and visual inspection regarding the state of conservation in order to support appropriate solutions in a sustained way [10]. Initially, a visit to the site should be carried out, if possible accompanied by the owner or public administration technician, guiding the historical route of the building, and a photographic record of the main characteristics and anomalies found should be made. As a complement, digital imaging technologies can be applied, supporting the architectural recognition of the interior space and exterior surroundings.

Concerning the modelling of buildings of heritage value, two cases were selected: a noble building of the nineteenth century, located in Lisbon (Portugal) and a complex composed of a castle of the thirteenth century and the associated industrial structure, located in the old district of the city of Faro (Portugal). These studies are detailly exposed in the publications [50] and [51], respectively. However, as the main purpose of the present report is to identify the specific modelling processes that were applied over both situations, just this topic is deeply described in this item.

4.2.1. Modelling Ornamental Stones

The Joseph Saint palace has the same characteristics as other aristocratic buildings in the city of Lisbon, which mark the traditional constructions of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries (Figure 7). Namely, on the front façade, the walls, made of limestone masonry, display decorative elements of granite stonework. The windows and doors are framed by curbs of thresholds, lintels, parapets, and jambs, also worked in granite stonework.

To support the HBIM process, a wide range of parametric objects available in the Revit software library was used, like walls, floors, and roofs. However, given the unique and non-standard characteristics identified, mainly on ornamental stones presented on the front façade of the building, it was necessary to define a considerable set of new families of parametric objects. The model was then created with the objective of representing with accuracy all architectural elements, including the detailed stonework that surrounds the windows and doors and the friezes observed on the principal elevation. The wall of the façade that supports the decorative elements and the other components, namely, the lateral and interior walls, the floors, and the roof were modelled using just the basic parametric objects retrieved from the available library of Revit software.

Based on the documentary information collected from the municipal archive of Lisbon (Figure 8a), photographs taken on-site (Figure 8b), showing the exterior and interior of the building, and graphic sketches recording architectural details (Figure 8c), it was possible to identify the levels of the ground, elevated, and roof floors, the thickness of the different walls; the internal distribution was consulted through drawing plans, the exterior and interior stars and the balcony. The generation of the HBIM model of the building has then begun.

However, in order to complete the modelling process, it was necessary to create several objects representative of the stone ornaments identified over the principal façade. Surrounding the main sash window, several decorative features in stonework of great detail were identified (Figure 9a) and modelled (Figure 9b).

The generation of the sash window model is deeply described by Mendes [50]. In the present text, the main focus is the description of the modelling process of the ornamental stones. To achieve the rigorous shape of each element, different modelling processes were required as follows:

• To model the stone pine elements, located on each side of the lower frame of the window, it was used the revolution geometric operation. An open polygonal line was first defined, and after imposing a rotation of 180°, around the vertical axis properly located, a solid of revolution was generated (Figure 10a);

• The lower frame of the window, presenting a straight-line path, was created using the sweep function. A closed polygonal line was first defined, representing the cross section that runs along the path, modelling the stone ornament that supports the both pine elements. At both ends of the frame, a complementary stone block was also modelled (Figure 10b);
• The decorative elements of the upper pediment were designed based on the definition of a detailed cross section, which follows a proper curved path. In it, the sweep geometric operation was also applied (Figure 10c).
• Two spiral shapes, located on each side of the upper span, resulted from the application of the sweep blend geometric operation. This function allows the design of two distinct geometric sections connected by a cord, creating a solid of variable revolution, allowing the spiral to widen outwards (Figure 10c);
• The remaining elements were modeller using the extrusion function operating in an octagonal direction from the facade over drawings defined with the required shape. The corresponding volume was then constructed, creating new parametric objects. The material associated with the new objects, representing all the ornamental elements, is the granite stone.

Other steps required in the modelling process of the heritage building were the definition of complementary elements oriented to the interior courtyard. New specific families of objects were then created as follows: distinct columns (Figure 11a) for the balconies (Figure 11b), located in the rear façade at the upper floor, the arcade (Figure 11c) identified in the ground floor, the stone handrail of the staircase (Figure 11d), and a squared stone pine.

The generated families can be used in other constructions with similar characteristics. All elements were modelled based on the establishment of parameters controlling the dimensions of the geometric configurations required in the present case. However, each family of objects can be adapted to new dimensions when required in other similar buildings. This process is quite time-consuming and requires advanced skills of the user in the manipulation of BIM modelling systems. Subsequently, these families are applied to the building’s facades as elements inserted through the load family functionality, available in the main BIM interface. These elements enhance the Revit library in the context of the present project and of the design office. A complete HBIM was then performed (Figure 12). To follow the complex procedure applied in the representation of the palace, the bibliographic reference [50] must be consulted.

Comparing the effort and time-consuming nature of the modelling of foundation elements or water networks with the case of the building of heritage value here described, there is a considerable increase in time expended in the second case. The HBIM process requires a detailed collection of the geometry identified in the old building and the selection of the most appropriate modelling functions. The time consumed in the development of models relating to the maintenance or rehabilitation of old buildings is considerably more demanding than the modelling time required in BIM.

4.2.2. Three-Dimensional Scanner Technology

Other heritage case considers a castle and the adjacent building complex, located in the historical district of the city of Faro, Portugal, known as Vila Adentro [51]. The building follows distinct historical eras, motivating proper adaptations to new types of occupation, including a first adaptation to a military storage zone and later to a beer factory. A first HBIM stage was required, concerning the collection of data covering the knowledge about the castle history and the successive building adapting to new types of occupation, mainly recorded in antique documents (Figure 13a), transmitted verbally, and identified from the architectural details of the actual configuration (Figure 13b). Based on this information, a stratigraphic HBIM model was defined (Figure 13c). To follow the complex procedure applied in the representation of the castle, the bibliographic reference [51] must be consulted.

The previous documentary survey supports the understanding and knowledge of the evolution of the heritage buildings related to the progressive process of construction/demolition and occupation. Representing this historic evolution, the stratigraphic HBIM was defined (Figure 13c). In order to represent the rigorous shape of the castle complex, detailed photographic survey and photogrammetry techniques were applied.

The shape representation was complemented with the use of a 3D scanner device. In the 3D reconstruction of the architectural configuration of buildings of historical value, 3D scanner technology has also been experimented with [52]. The modelling process was supported by the use of a 3D scanner application installed on the mobile device, the Kiri Engine [53]. The KIRI Engine is a free app that lets user to create 3D models from photos or videos with advanced features and high quality. This software can be applied to capture the shape of distinct building components, allowing the conception of parametric objects with rigorous geometric detail supporting the modelling process.

In the present case, a small experiment was carried out to capture the shape of a pillar located inside the building. The mobile application presents an evident advantage over the 3D scanner stations, as it speeds up the modelling of small construction components located in zones inside the building. The scan software was applied over a column, allowing us to obtain a photographic survey composed of 70 images (Figure 14a). The captured 3D point cloud is transferred to the modelling software allowing the defining a set of images, obtained from different points of view. Based on the survey, the images were then processed, generating the respective 3D point cloud file (Figure 14b). After using the plug-in of Revit, RecapPro, the file was converted to a new BIM object. Nevertheless, some adjustments were applied over the first shape in order to define a correct configuration of the column. A new parametric object was then generated (Figure 14c).

The new BIM component is a new family of the present project and can be reused to represent similar building elements of other projects. Modelling components of a small volume from a 3D scanner survey carried out with the application available on the mobile allows the user to speed up the generation of new parametric objects or families of objects.

It should be noted that in relation to the generation of the models of buildings of heritage value, only the specific modelling details relating to particular processes have been described in detail. However, the work involved in generating the largest volume of modelling, of the cases presented, in which the library of the modelling system is sufficient, is detailed in the publications [50,51]. The objective of this text is only focused on the presentation and discussion of the generation processes required in the conception of new specific objects.

Knowledge in HBIM is fundamental, as only a deeper understanding of a structure’s history, construction, and technological characteristics can prevent potentially critical issues, solve current problems, and avoid oversized interventions [54]. The HBIM process plays an important role in developing services that enhance the understanding of built heritage, and often current HBIM-to-VR workflows can support making adequate decisions [55]. Laser 3D scanning of historic buildings provides new geometric data that may supplement or even overwrite the information found in the traditional literature on the topic [56].Integrating BIM technology into historical and cultural heritage structures has resulted in HBIM, an effective method for managing and documenting invaluable historical artefacts [57]. HBIM is a new perspective of BIM that should be widely known and recognized for the evident benefits associated with it. In this sense, the present work of comparative analysis aims to contribute to encouraging the correct modelling of the architecture observed in the old building.

5. Results and Discussion

In order to demonstrate the main differences between the modelling processes applied in the design of BIM and HBIM models, several situations in the context of new and old building projects were explored as follows:

• Regarding the structural design of new buildings, the most used software presents a wide choice, as long as the configuration to be modelled presents uniformity. Rectangular foundations are easily modelled as they are available in the software library whistled to the structures menu. However, structural projects often have some elements that do not fit into this simple typology. Thus, it is necessary to create specific objects described in a parametric way, in which the dimensions are parameters, which in each project assume the required values. The item related to the generation of specific objects of foundations describes the modelling process of “T” and “L” foundation elements and also the definition of the foundation element with different volumetric and height positioning. The distinct configurations of the designed foundations were carried out using the facilities available in the modelling software in use. In all the described structural examples, the system used was Revit;
• Also, in relation to the project of new buildings, a particular situation of the generation of a water device to be included in the water distribution network was presented. After detecting physical intersections between pipes along some segments of the network, it was necessary to use a cross-pipe piece. Although the web pages of the product vendors and the software house also contain a large set of elements, the device necessary to cross the pipes was not found on these sites. Thus, a new parametric object was created. Its generation was described in detail, highlighting the software’s ability to generate the type of element needed. However, the modelling of practically the entire network was elaborated using the objects contained in the Revit services menu and the consulted web pages;
• The architecture presented by old buildings of heritage or historical value presents shapes that are not identifiable through parametric objects existing in the modelling software library. Each building presents an architecture contextualized in the era of its construction and the possible interventions perpetrated over the building to allocate new types of occupation. The two examples described are distinct from each other. The first case considers the modelling of decorative stone elements, normally applied in buildings of an aristocratic character. The generation of the respective objects has been described in detail, using the modelling capabilities of the Revit system. In the second case, only the reference to the use of 3D scanner technology, in the form of an application downloaded to the mobile device, was described. However, in both cases, a great deal of time was naturally spent in the process of the respective modelling, which can be consulted in the bibliographic references mentioned [50,51].

The purpose of the present study is focused on the particularities of the applied modelling procedures when an irregular shape is required. In the modelling of specific elements related to new construction, it is evident that they are easy to define, although there is a need to create new families that are not available in the software libraries or on the websites of equipment vendors or software houses. However, it is demonstrated that the effort spent in the rigorous representation of the architectural shape presented in the two examples of old buildings is much higher than the effort required in the previous cases.

Regarding the use of Revit in the development of new building projects, the modelling software and the multiple functionalities available are well-known to frequent users. However, concerning HBIM, the Revit software, as a modelling tool, additionally offers many possibilities for developing configurations of spatial and complex forms. This study describes in detail shapes of revolution, extrusion, and rotation necessary in the modelling process of old buildings.

BIM and HBIM modellers are usually requested for the development of projects in their areas. However, what is evaluated in the present work is aimed at establishing differences. The time consumed in creating one type of model or another is substantially distinct. Additionally, the purpose of the study is to disseminate the knowledge of modelling related to unique buildings and architecture marked by historical eras, where it is required that the modeller has a greater ability to adapt to new non-standard forms.

The procedure applied in the modelling of new construction largely follows a methodology that uses the capabilities available in the modelling system, whether in adjusting existing objects in the library or in creating new elements of relatively low complexity in form. Compared to the difficulty in standardizing shapes in an old building, the capabilities of the modeller must be significantly more demanding. Thus, the choice of the best modelling strategy should be the most appropriate in each case.

The present study complements the aforementioned works with precision in the definition of shapes, allowing the creation of an internal library that can be reused in similar projects by the same company or made available online in the context of forums supporting HBIM modelling processes. The generated families in the context of the study cases can be used in other constructions with similar characteristics. The elements were modelled based on the establishment of parameters controlling the dimensions of the geometric configurations required in the presented cases. However, each family of objects can be adapted to new dimensions when required in other buildings.

6. Conclusions

The main objective of the study was to identify the differences between the modelling process employed to represent new and old buildings. However, the basic modelling processes for both new and old buildings were not considered, as this type of modelling involves only the direct use of libraries easily accessed either through the modelling system itself or from the web pages of software houses or construction equipment suppliers. This report refers only to the modelling applied to the generation of new families of parametric objects. Distinguishing the simplest and most accessible process of generating elements, foundations, and hydraulic networks with the specificity required in the representation of geometric details of ornamental stones identified in old houses.

The two procedures were presented in detail, omitting the previous work of modelling the simplest and most direct components, such as the supporting walls, the inclusion of windows, or the definition of a water supply network, since the respective models are easily obtained through the available libraries. In order to complete these models, the generation of new families of parametric objects was required:

• In relation to the foundations and the hydraulic part created, the new objects can be applied not only in the projects under development themselves but also in other projects, enriching the company’s library of elements in engineering projects;
• In the modelling of old buildings, the weight of history and the diversity of the occupation type of the old building, forcing demolitions, reconstructions, and expansions, translate into a more complex architectural appearance, making it difficult to generate HBIM and AHBIMs with the necessary rigour. The work team involved in the maintenance, preservation, or rehabilitation study is much more comprehensive, from historians to engineers, so the generation of an HBIM model as the principal support and with an easily accessible database constitutes a fundamental work base. The increased effort to rigorously define the architectural shape is compensated by the subsequent ease of presentation, to the responsible public entity and to the public in general, of the intervention or maintenance proposal to be carried out, developed by the work team, in a collaborative and integrated way over the created HBIM model;
• The main objective of the comparative study was to compare the various approaches that need to be exercised in the context of new and old construction. The functionalities of the most commonly used systems allow the modelling of any type of model. However, the knowledge and skill required of the HBIM modeller are significantly higher, which is why the user accustomed to generating BIM models naturally encounters some difficulty in creating the details present in HBIM. Additionally, there are technologies such as photogrammetry and 3D scanning that must be mastered by the HBIM modeller, which are not required of a BIM modeller.

In conclusion, in any project, whether new or old, there is often the need to create new families of parametric objects. The user of the modelling software must have sufficient knowledge and skills to develop the missing elements required in each model. However, in the modelling of old buildings, the modelling capacity requirement for the user is much higher than that necessary to be considered in the modelling process of new building projects.