(H-BIM IA) Historic Building Information Modelling and Artificial Intelligence as a methodology for the conservation of architectural heritage on land, the case of Khenguet Sidi Nadji city

Abstract

The architectural heritage built on land in Algeria extends over a large part of its territory and is one of its greatest assets, both locally and internationally. The conservation of this heritage is a highly complex civic and political challenge. The research carried out experiments with an unprecedented methodology, (H-BIM IA) Historic Building Information Modeling and Artificial Intelligence on a specific case study, the city of Khenget sidi Nadji founded in 1602, which over time has given us a capital city rich in architectural value, social relations, and an example of religious and cultural links. For a year, the authorities carried out a programme to improve the rural habitat in a territory far from the old fabric, EL BORDJ, and organised a population displacement. This programme has revolutionised all the architectural, social, and typological values of the old fabric. The aim of the research has been to document the state of conservation of the city and to establish a medotology that allows the incorporation of extensive and rigorous information for its enhancement and subsequent analysis. The project carried out with BIM is enriched with historical, architectural, sociological, and material data, as well as data on the state of conservation and compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This reliable information is used by the AI for political and citizen management of cultural heritage.