Methodologies for HBIM Representation and Management for Small Artifacts of Significant Artistic and Architectural Value: The Case Study of the Ciborium by Giovanni di Michelozzo in the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte in Florence

Over the years, the procedures for acquiring and managing data related to architectural heritage have evolved and been revolutionized, thanks to advancements in surveying tools and graphic restitution techniques. The emerging Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodology has paved the way for a new system to represent, catalog, and manage the lifecycle of architectural heritage. The BIM process is based on the creation of a three-dimensional model containing both geometric and informational data and on the implementation of libraries made up of parametric objects, allowing the management of a building in all its aspects by incorporating the necessary information for the proper execution of the construction process into a single database. This process, when applied to historic buildings, is referred to in the literature as Historic BIM (HBIM). This article describes how Historic Building Information Modelling was applied to the case study of Giovanni di Michelozzo's Ciborium. The case study presents the methodology for constructing a library of interactive parametric objects based on historical architectural data, illustrating the retrieval and analysis of historical architectural data and how architectural elements are coded and classified using a geometric descriptive language (GDL), chosen according to the project's research objectives. An example of a cataloging process is shown on a small artifact of the Basilica, which was eventually extended to the entire building as a starting point for the enhancement of its rich architectural heritage. The process outlines the various phases of the research methodology, from the collection of historical and descriptive data gathered through research activities and integrated digital surveys, all aimed at constructing a BIM model and its library, followed by an example of parametric object mapping, with consequent automation of restitution drawings and the creation of a descriptive database, demonstrating the complete HBIM process. In conclusion, the results indicate the potential of HBIM for the conservation, enhancement, and visualization of historical structures and environments.