Sharing Award-Winning Cases from the 8th Autodesk Hong Kong Building Information Modeling Design Competition
Introduction: “Models created with BIM not only eliminate errors common in traditional 2D drawings and enhance visualization, but also uphold the necessary standards to improve information exchange between the Architectural Services Department and stakeholders.”
The He Dong Madam Medical Bureau was established between 1932 and 1933, officially opening in 1934. It primarily serves residents of the nearby Jinqian Village and Heshang Township, making it one of the earliest rural medical bureaus in Hong Kong’s New Territories. The building itself is unique, comprising two single-story structures that blend Chinese and Western architectural styles. Designed with Western craftsmanship and crowned by a Chinese tiled roof, this combination is quite rare in Hong Kong.
Located in Hong Kong, the He Dong Madam Medical Bureau is part of the Fourth Revitalization of Historic Buildings Partnership Program. As one of four buildings included in this initiative, it requires comprehensive and precise data to preserve its original appearance. This project faces the critical challenge of maintaining historical integrity while accurately documenting building information.
Traditional 2D drawings often contain errors, making it difficult to gather accurate data on historical buildings. This lack of precision can lead to design mistakes and project delays. To address these issues, the Housing Department chose to adopt BIM technology and collaborate with an independent third-party BIM consultant. This partnership marks a significant step in Hong Kong’s efforts to revitalize ancient architecture using innovative technology.
BIM Technology Preserves the DNA of Cultural Heritage
This project integrates 3D photogrammetry with BIM to assist in building mapping, while also employing BIM to create animated walkthroughs that showcase the building’s features interactively. This approach not only enhances communication and collaboration among project stakeholders but also serves as a valuable tool for documenting historic structures.
“Historical building information is not only essential for conservation plans but must be accurately maintained and regularly updated long after restoration,” said Mr. Li Peiji, Senior Architect at the Architectural Services Department. He emphasized that without a deep understanding of the site and its heritage, future developments risk damaging the land and compromising the value and sustainability of architectural heritage.
Following a thorough survey of the historic building, isBIM delivered an interactive 3D model to the Hong Kong Architectural Services Department. Mr. Li Peiji explained, “Models created with BIM eliminate errors typical of traditional 2D drawings, improve visualization, and uphold the standards needed to facilitate better information exchange between the department and project stakeholders.”
From BIM to HIM: A New Approach to Historic Preservation
HIM stands for Historical Information Model. By combining 3D photogrammetry with BIM technology, the project transforms BIM into HIM. This shift replaces the ‘B’ (Building) in BIM with ‘H’ (Historical), integrating historical building data and big data into the model. This innovation supports detailed mapping, ongoing maintenance, and better preservation of the original appearance of historic structures.
Currently, Hong Kong rarely employs such advanced methods for protecting ancient architectural heritage. Transitioning from BIM to HIM extends the use of this technology beyond new constructions to include historic buildings. The adoption of HIM offers a more effective way to protect and pass down these cultural relics to future generations.
The digital historical information model of the He Dong Madam Medical Bureau was successfully completed in November 2013. The Hong Kong Architectural Services Department received an Honorary Award at the 8th Autodesk Hong Kong Building Information Modeling Design Competition, recognizing its innovative BIM application in the He Dong Madam Medical Bureau and the senior staff quarters of the former milk company.
Contributed by the Brand Promotion Department of Beijing Internet Cube Technology Service Co., Ltd.
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