Integrating HBIM for the sustainable management of the M’zab Valley of Algeria: a digital approach to earthen heritage in arid climates
Submitted: 2025-11-29
|Accepted: 2026-04-01
|Published: 2026-04-24
Copyright (c) 2026 VITRUVIO - International Journal of Architectural Technology and Sustainability
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Downloads
Keywords:
HBIM, M’zab Valley, earthen heritage, digital documentation, sustainable conservation, photogrammetry
Supporting agencies:
Abstract:
Historic earthen settlements in the M’zab Valley face increasing risks due to material decay, climate stress and limited maintenance resources. This paper proposes an HBIM-based workflow designed to support sustainable conservation and decision-making for these UNESCO-listed ksour. The study combines photogrammetric surveying, parametric reconstruction and condition assessment within a single digital environment. The resulting HBIM model integrates geometric accuracy, material characterisation and a lightweight asset-management structure that links deterioration patterns with priority actions. The approach demonstrates how digital documentation can move beyond visualization to become a practical tool for preventive conservation, especially in arid climates where earthen architecture is highly vulnerable. The paper highlights methodological constraints, data gaps and local capacity needs, and offers recommendations for scalable implementation by heritage managers. The proposed workflow aims to improve long-term stewardship through accessible, interoperable and context-adapted digital practices.
References:
Adami, A., Scala, B., Treccani, D., Dufour, N., & Papandrea, K. (2023). HBIM approach for heritage protection: first experiences for a dedicated training. Int. Arch. Photogramm. Remote Sens. Spatial Inf. Sci., XLVIII-M-2, 11-18. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLVIII-M-2-2023-11-2023
Apollonio, F.I., Gaiani, M., & Sun, Z. (2017). A reality integrated BIM for architectural heritage conservation. In: Handbook of Research on Emerging Technologies for Architectural and Archaeological Heritage. Hershey, PA: IGI Global, pp. 31–65. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-0675-1.ch002
Bouchair, A., & Dupagne, A. (2003). Building traditions of M’Zab facing the challenges of re‑shaping of its built form and society. Building and Environment, 38(11), 1345–1364. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0360‑1323(03)00065‑9
Brumana, R., Della Torre, S., Oreni, D., Previtali, M., Cantini, L., Barazzetti, L., Franchi, A., & Banfi, F. (2017). HBIM challenge among the paradigm of complexity, tools and preservation: The Basilica di Collemaggio 8 years after the earthquake (L’Aquila). International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, XLII-2/W5, 97–104. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLII-2-W5-97-2017
Chorro-Domínguez, F.J., Redweik, P., & Sanjosé-Blasco, J.J. (2025). Integrating HBIM and GIS Through Object-Relational Databases for the Conservation of Rammed Earth Heritage: A Multiscale Approach. Heritage 8.8, 336. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8080336
Daniels, L., & Georgopoulos, A. (2023). Doric Temple HBIM library for cultural heritage management. ISPRS Ann. Photogramm. Remote Sens. Spatial Inf. Sci., X-M-1, 55-62. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-annals-X-M-1-2023-55-2023
Diara, F., & Rinaudo, F. (2019). From reality to parametric models of cultural heritage assets for HBIM. Int. Arch. Photogramm. Remote Sens. Spatial Inf. Sci., XLII-2/W15, 413-419. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLII-2-W15-413-2019
Di Luggo, A., & Scandurra, S. (2016). The knowledge of the architectural heritage in HBIM systems: from the discrete model to the parametric model. DisegnareCon 9(16), 1–17.
Fai, S. & Rafeiro, J. (2014). Establishing an Appropriate Level of Detail (LoD) for a Building Information Model (BIM) – West Block, Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada. ISPRS Annals of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, II‑5, pp. 123–130. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprsannals-II-5-123-2014
Forlani, M.C. (2015). Local development/sustainable development. New integrations between “city and countryside”. TECHNE – Journal of Technology for Architecture and Environment (10), 85–92. https://doi.org/10.13128/Techne-17504
Google Earth. (2020). Ksar of Beni Isguen, Ghardaïa, Algeria [Satellite imagery]. Available at: https://earth.google.com
Letellier, R. (2007) Recording, Documentation, and Information Management for the Conservation of Heritage Places. Los Angeles: Getty Conservation Institute.
Mileto, C., Vegas, F., Cristini, V. (2012). Earthen Architecture: Tradition, Innovation and Sustainability. CRC Press.
Murphy, M., McGovern, E., & Pavia, S. (2009). Historic building information modelling (HBIM). Structural Survey, 27(4), 311–327. https://doi.org/10.1108/02630800910985108
Office for the Protection and Promotion of the M’zab Valley (OPVM). (2018a). Guide to the historic sites and monuments of the M’zab Valley [Brochure]. OPVM, Ghardaïa, Algeria. Available at: https://www.opvm.dz/19_Brochures/i_p‑1
Office for the Protection and Promotion of the M’zab Valley (OPVM). (2018b). Earthen architecture: techniques and morphology in the M’zab Valley [Brochure]. OPVM, Ghardaïa, Algeria. Available at: https://www.opvm.dz/19_Brochures/i_p‑1
Parrinello, S., & De Marco, R. (2021). Digital surveying and 3D modelling structural shape pipelines for instability monitoring in historical buildings: A strategy of versatile mesh models for ruined and endangered heritage. Acta IMEKO, 10(1), 84–97. https://doi.org/10.21014/acta_imeko.v10i1.895
Parrinello, S., Sanseverino, A., & Fu, H. (2023). HBIM modelling for the architectural valorisation via a maintenance digital eco-system. International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, XLVIII-M-2-2023, 1157–1164. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLVIII-M-2-2023-1157-2023
Pauwels, P., Zhang, S., & Lee, Y.C. (2017) Semantic web technologies in the AEC industry: A literature overview. Automation in Construction, 73, 145–165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2016.10.003
Pettineo, A., & Parrinello, S. (2025). Architectural heritage through HBIM and ontologies: A formal analysis of Sant’Andrea Fortress Portal in Venice. International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, XLVIII-5/W3-2025, 83–88. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLVIII-5-W3-2025-83-2025
Picchio, F., De Marco, R., Dell’Amico, A., Doria, E., Galasso, F., La Placa, S., Miceli, A., & Parrinello, S. (2020). Procedure di analisi e modellazione urbana per la gestione dei centri storici: Betlemme, Solikamsk, Cattaro e Santo Domingo. Paesaggio Urbano, 2, 103–115.
Sampaio, A.Z., Gomes, A.M., Tomé, J., & Pinto, A.M. (2025). BIM and HBIM: comparative analysis of distinct modelling approaches for new and heritage buildings. Heritage, 8(8), 299. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8080299
UNESCO (1982) M’zab Valley. (List of World Heritage). UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
