‘Sustainable’ Recording and Preservation of Zangniang Stupa and Sangzhou Lamasery in Qinghai, China with Heritage Building Information Model

Abstract

This paper research and discusses the ‘sustainable’ workflow and heritage recording method of historic building information modelling (HBIM) for Chinese Tibetan architecture and pagodas and explains the vital role of recording heritage information to protect cultural relics. Considering the Tibetan Buddhist Pagoda in Yushu, Qinghai, China, this paper explores the collaborative modelling mechanism and ideas between heritage surveying and scanning information and software, and the problems of these two methods. Through research, we have obtained successful cases of HBIM based on field scanning and mapping, online software collaborative modelling (Rhino, Bentley, Autodesk Computer-Aided Design), sustainable management, and display. It is an information model constructed according to construction logic and accurate information and one that realises sustainable and full-cycle recording functions by continuous recording, updating, and iterating. This method removes a limitation of HBIM in that it considers one-time information construction and delivery mode but does not consider and explore sustainable recording work. It will significantly promote more records on the heritage information of Tibetan architecture. The results will also directly serve the protection of architectural heritage in Qinghai Province, China and the ‘Silk Road (South Asia Section) Transnational Serial Application for World Heritage’ work.