Multidisciplinary collaboration and workflows on heritage building information modelling (HBIM) projects: a framework for improvement

Abstract

Purpose Heritage building information modelling (HBIM) projects face significant challenges, especially in relation to multidisciplinary collaboration and project workflows. This paper aims to examine HBIM work processes, presenting a practical framework to improve HBIM workflows and multidisciplinary collaboration occurring on construction heritage projects. Design/methodology/approach An initial deductive literature review provides a foundation for the study by identifying thematic HBIM industry challenges. An inductive, interpretivist and qualitative examination of HBIM combines survey questionnaire with case study and in-depth interviews to provide a holistic understanding of the opportunities and challenges confronting practitioners. Findings Findings indicate that HBIM offers great potential for improving heritage protection, but challenges around data management, human factors, technical issues and training skills remain. A resulting framework for improvement identifies five key outcomes around which improvement depends: team coordination; sharing of knowledge; standards and industry specifications; technical tools and training/education. Recommendations are rooted to case study evidence and practitioner opinion; the paper highlights the need for further research to refine practices globally. Originality/value The research contributes to the Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) literature through the focused analysis of project work processes and multidisciplinary collaboration, resulting in an improvement framework for industry. The combination of literature review analysis, survey findings, case study examination and practitioner interviews provides a reliable dataset for the arguments made.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Journal of Engineering Design and Technology, 2026 · DOI ↗