Parametric Modeling and Heritage: A Design Process Sustainable for Restoration

Abstract

Parametric design, algorithmic modeling, generative design, and associative design are only some of the keywords of a work paradigm that is becoming more and more popular, designed to respond to the complexities of contemporary architecture. Most commonly, such an approach is used for new buildings, but when algorithmic design meets heritage building information modeling (HBIM), the process can take on an even greater centrality—flexibility and control go hand-in-hand, ensuring precious tools for the planning of restoration interventions and management projects. This contribution, oriented to expand the use of these strategies to heritage, deals with the theme of parametric modeling of masonry vaults, a structural–architectural feature that in many forms and combinations characterizes most historic buildings. In particular, the connection of BIM software with algorithmic modeling software can allow the ‘translation’ of complex geometric shapes into elements with full Level of Detail elements (LOD 500) while preserving, at the same time, the algorithmic editing functions. In this paper, it is illustrated as this approach permits the finetuning of the vaults’ details, from time to time, based on different survey strategies (e.g., direct measurements, experimental tests, laser scanners, etc.). In other words, using this new connection in real time, architects can design restoration interventions tied to shapes, geometries, and masonry peculiarities that would otherwise be impossible to manage. An updatable virtualization of the actual state of a heritage building thus becomes affordable for the wider public (LOD G). There is also a valuable benefit for the heritage stakeholders in terms of protection of the architectural value and conscious planning in the restoration practice, especially in the museum field.

Vrea Project - A Digital Curator for Architecture and Digital Perspectives for Heritage Management and Enhancement

“…The proposed new Master programme is expected to provide an significant impact within 3 levels: at system level, at institutional level, at individual level. (Liberotti and Gusella, 2023;Urbanowicz and Nyka, 2012). Numerous studies on Digital Databases and Information Systems have shown how digital practice can offer a common platform to integrate this different sectoral knowledge and to set a common basis of technical language and integrated 2D/3D products (Doria et al, 2022;Galasso et al,2021).…”

HBIM for restoration project and data management of a religious complex

“…In literature, information management's topic within HBIM has been extensively addressed concerning data management to facilitate decision-making in preventive and planned conservation. If parametric modelling is combined with algorithmic modelling, it is possible to increase the levels of detail and reliability even to the knowledge of the historic built environment and thus to the design of restoration and asset management interventions [5]. Some more recent experiences have gone as far as translating qualitative data into numerical values to define a priority index for interventions [6] or deploying visual programming (VPL) as a tool to support the HBIM methodology, for example, for calculating the Masonry Quality Index, a parameter used for the seismic analysis of masonry [7].…”

HBIM for restoration project and data management of a religious complex

“…In literature, information management's topic within HBIM has been extensively addressed concerning data management to facilitate decision-making in preventive and planned conservation. If parametric modelling is combined with algorithmic modelling, it is possible to increase the levels of detail and reliability even to the knowledge of the historic built environment and thus to the design of restoration and asset management interventions [5]. Some more recent experiences have gone as far as translating qualitative data into numerical values to define a priority index for interventions [6] or deploying visual programming (VPL) as a tool to support the HBIM methodology, for example, for calculating the Masonry Quality Index, a parameter used for the seismic analysis of masonry [7].…”