Generative Modeling, Virtual Reality and Hbim Interaction: Immersive Environment for Built Heritage: Case Study of Shaikh Isa Bin Ali House, Bahrain

Abstract

<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> The innovation in Digital Cultural Heritage (DCH) shows an emergence of innovative methods and initiatives for the generation of complex historical models to which are linked useful information for specialists of architecture, construction and engineering, but also user community interested in cultural heritage. This paper presents an improvement in Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM) turned into models for mobile apps based on virtual reality (VR) addressed to enhance the communication of Architectural Heritage. The opportunity of a collaboration with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) experts under the coordination of the Carleton University in a training project aimed at improving documentation skills for conservation and preventive maintenance of built heritage provided the availability of an extraordinary richness of data and surveying on the Shaikh Isa Bin Ali House. The case study of the Shaikh Isa Bin Ali House is an outstanding example of Bahrain architecture and one of the oldest surviving building in Muharraq, listed under the UNESCO sites, now transformed in a Museum, where the visit does not allow to perceive the richness of the traditions of the constructions, beside the beautiful architecture. The building was the seat of the ruler of Bahrain from 1869 until his death in 1932 and represented an interesting response to local building materials and climate. This vernacular architecture solved not only the climate problems but combined the solution with beauty, physical and social functionality. This research carries out digital preservation through HBIM and switches to Cloud and VR platforms to allow users to enter a 3D immersive scene, using models as a vehicle of content information.</p>

Conservation Digitalization through Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM): Online Database Theoretical Review

“…not relying on libraries) in order to exchange building data among practitioners and designers via abstract 3D representation [62].The scan-to-BIM procedure is largely used in the current HBIM project to manually generate the geometric model from the point cloud [61]. The modelling of the architectural and structural features, which were unique in their kind, necessitated the use of various grades of generation (GOG) in order to generate a model capable of transforming point clouds into parametric objects (Scan-to-BIM process) [46].…”

“…• Digital Documentation (DD): Digital documentation is needed to come up with informative conservation and maintenance plans, as well as to learn about the decorative devices, space design, and materials used, as well as the innovative building solution chosen [46]. Heritage digital documentation is made up of three steps: 1) getting the raw LiDAR data; 2) processing the point cloud; and 3) making the model.…”

Remote Practice Methods of Survey Education for HBIM in the Post-Pandemic Era: Case Study of Kuiwen Pavilion in the Temple of Confucius (Qufu, China)

“…Remote practice approaches were favored, e.g., Mandelli et al (2017) [22], who proposed an integrated online system, BIM3DSG, accessible through the web browser, supporting management of customized information with various model formats; Murphy et al (2017) [23] presented on-site survey education for students, and discussed system architecture for the virtual learning platform; Napolitano et al (2018) [24] compiled a virtual tour for observation and then wrote investigation reports; Banfi et al (2019) [25] developed a VR solution for built heritage, using UE4 and its Blueprints (visual programming tool) to establish virtual tours based on a detailed HBIM; Lee et al (2019) [26] evaluated the effectiveness of on-site VR application and remote VR application for risk management of the built heritage; Murphy et al (2019) [27] developed a workflow to disseminate the built heritage using game engine platform and semantic web platform, enabling educational applications to the public; Cantatore et al (2020) [28] added technical information in a virtual tour environment; Diara and Rinaudo (2021) [29] introduced work-in-progress research on ideal cloud-based BIM platform for data sharing and exchange.…”

M-BIM: a new tool for the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze

“…Most investigations on BIM for existing buildings is focused on 3D modelling of historical architecture with BIM software, while fewer researches are oriented to diagnostics, monitoring, energy retrofitting, structural reinforcement, FM, etc. (Bruno, De Fino, & Fatiguso, 2017;Rota, Corgnati, Paolo, & Di Corato, 2015;Banfi et al, 2019).…”