Memory Information Modeling: Exploring the Application of Building Information Modeling on Community-Centric Project-Based Learning

Despite extensive research on Building Information Modeling (BIM) in Hong Kong, its impact on community engagement and social value remains underexplored. This study introduces the novel concept of Memory Information Modeling (MIM), which leverages BIM as a facilitating technology to enhance community-centric projects by fostering engagement, collaboration, and emotional resonance. Focusing on the redevelopment of Choi Hung Estate—an iconic Hong Kong public housing estate—the research investigates how BIM, combined with 3D scanning, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry, and Virtual Reality (VR), can preserve architectural heritage and collective memory. The project employs an interdisciplinary approach, integrating technical precision with community storytelling to document the estate’s unique cultural and emotional landscapes. Key “memory nodes”, such as the rainbow basketball court, stairwells, and old market stalls, are digitally preserved to capture the lived experiences of residents, particularly the elderly, whose memories span decades of community life. Historical moments, such as water rationing and communal dining, are juxtaposed with vibrant present-day scenes to highlight the estate’s evolving identity. By creating a digital twin of Choi Hung Estate, this study demonstrates how MIM can bridge generational gaps, empower participatory planning, and enhance project performance through inclusive technology adoption. The findings offer practical insights for stakeholders on optimizing BIM implementation to deliver societal value, ensuring that urban redevelopment prioritizes cultural continuity alongside physical transformation. Ultimately, this research advocates for MIM as a replicable framework for preserving digital memory in a project-based learning setting, blending technical innovation with human-centered storytelling.