Building Information Modelling (BIM) is increasingly applied beyond new construction, playing a vital role in supporting informed decision-making for existing and historic buildings within retrofit and refurbishment projects. When aligned with circular economy principles, BIM enables more sustainable approaches to adaptation, repurposing, reuse, and long-term management across the built environment.
This module introduces students to the use of BIM for existing buildings, with a particular focus on Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) as an information management approach. Students will explore how digital information derived from surveys, documentation, and scan-to-BIM processes can support refurbishment, adaptation, repurposing, conservation, and lifecycle extension, including the structured documentation of materials and building components where appropriate
The module examines key concepts in heritage conservation, circular built environment thinking, and lifecycle-based asset management, contrasting these with conventional new-build BIM approaches. Through lectures, case studies, and applied activities, students will develop the ability to critically evaluate how BIM and HBIM methodologies support decision-making within existing building and heritage contexts – including circular strategies such as reuse, retention, and the use of material information (e.g. material passports) – as part of wider digital transformation in the built environment.