HBIM Meta-Modelling: 50 (and More) Shades of Grey

The paper aims at investigating modelling strategies in HBIM context to identify at what extent the final use of the model might affects, or should affect, the modelling approach itself. Moreover, the discussion wants to shed light on the possibility of connecting in just one digital environment several instances connected to the building. These aims will be discussed presenting and evaluating two different modelling approaches: the “black box” modelling and the “white box” model-ling. The two terms are partially borrowed from computer science to explain two types of testing. The “black box” testing is performed without any preliminary knowledge about the system functionality and internal components; on the contrary, the “white box” testing, implies a full knowledge of the system. These two approaches will be compared to two ways of conceiving a building information model. In conclusion, the paper will investigate the possibility to integrate in just one model, the grey box model, the two ones previously discussed.