Implementing HBIM for Cultural Heritage Preservation – From Documentation to Sustainable Management

Abstract. Cultural heritage preservation faces unprecedented challenges due to the accelerating impacts of climate change and armed conflicts. International frameworks such as The Venice Charter (1964) and the UNESCO Charter on the Preservation of Digital Heritage (2003) emphasize the urgent need for effective documentation strategies for both physical and digital assets. Building Information Modeling (BIM), and more specifically Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM), offers a promising methodology to address these challenges by ensuring structured, object-based and life cycle-oriented digital management of historic structures. Despite its potential, the adoption of BIM standards in monument preservation remains limited, particularly within Germany’s federal cultural heritage management landscape. Barriers include insufficient resources, skills, and infrastructure among preservation authorities. To address this gap, the HBIM Worms Synagogue case study was developed as a pioneering project, serving both as a model for future workflows and as a basis for stakeholder training. The project outputs include a fully operational HBIM model, a Common Data Environment (CDE), a bSDD-based classification system, and standardized templates to ensure long-term data usability and accessibility. In parallel, the establishment of the Special Interest Group "BIM in Building Survey" and efforts to integrate HBIM into buildingSMART Germany initiatives reflect the growing institutional commitment to digital transformation. Outcomes will be disseminated through a practice-oriented HBIM Mastering Workshop, including hands-on exercises and interdisciplinary training, presented at the CIPA International Conference 2025. This paper outlines the methodologies, challenges, and strategic perspectives necessary for advancing HBIM as a standard tool in sustainable heritage preservation.