Integrating building information modelling and semantic web technologies for the management of built heritage information

The historical built environment is acknowledged as a valuable but complex material and cultural resource that needs to be preserved. Digital technologies give the opportunity to improve and expand the comprehension of the complex artefacts present in this built environment. Building information modelling (BIM) and semantic web technologies are two technologies that are often used for the documentation of the built environment and of cultural heritage resources. With our research, we investigate to what extent those technologies can be integrated and which advantages this combination can produce for the analysis and interpretation of our built environment. In this paper, we present the application of BIM software and semantic web technologies to a case study: the Book Tower in Ghent, Belgium. The Book Tower is one of the most important early 20th century buildings in the city of Ghent. Through the paper we will show how BIM and semantic web technologies were integrated, which advantages this combination can produce and which future developments could be considered. The recorded information can be essential to plan and manage a recovery plan and/or a maintenance program taking into consideration also aspects linked to cultural diversity and environmental sustainability.