Integrated survey and building information modeling for built heritage management, preservation and communication

This paper investigates the digitization of Cultural Heritage and takes its cue from the POR-FESR 2014-2020 project “Existing Building Information Modeling for the management of existing building”. This project, aimed at the application of BIM tools in the processes of intervention and management of the existing built environment, involved different case studies, both historical and non-historical. Of particular interest for the present study is the case of the former prison of San Francesco del Prato in Parma, which is involved in a project aimed at transforming the complex into a student residence. In 2019, in order to provide an accurate documentation of the building, a survey campaign was commissioned to the Department of Architecture and Engineering of the University of Parma. Starting from the collected data, a three-dimensional information model of the complex was also obtained. While the operative procedures adopted for the generation of the BIM model and for sharing the data produced within the open standard eBIM Inception platform have been widely discussed (Vernizzi, Mazzi, 2022), the focus in this context is on exploring the potential applications of the model. Starting with the model as a support for restoration activities and building management, the aim is to investigate its potential in the iconographic studies and Cultural Heritage communication. Particular attention is paid to the role that model viewers of Bim Authoring software can take in the previously mentioned fields.