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Industry Foundation Classes and Open BIM: What You Need to Know

IFC and OpenBIM: What You Need to Know?

In the modern AEC world, digital collaboration is essential. The process of designing, building, and maintaining structures involves numerous teams, software tools, and specialized workflows. IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) and OpenBIM are two core elements that enable these teams to work together, regardless of the software tools they use, without sacrificing the accuracy and integrity of the data.

These concepts are not just technical jargon—they are central to how the construction industry is evolving. Let’s dive deeper into what these terms mean, how they function, and why they are essential to the future of construction projects.

What is IFC (Industry Foundation Classes)?

IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is a neutral and open file format developed by buildingSMART International for the exchange of data in a digital building model. It is used primarily within the BIM process to ensure that data can be shared across various software applications.

Why IFC Matters?

In simple terms, IFC acts as a bridge between different software applications. Architects, engineers, contractors, and others involved in a building project often use different software tools, but if those tools can’t talk to each other, collaboration becomes difficult. For example, a structural engineer may be using Autodesk Revit while the architect might prefer ArchiCAD. Historically, exchanging files between these platforms was challenging, often leading to data loss or errors. 

That’s where IFC comes in. IFC is designed to maintain the data integrity of building models and ensure that critical information, like dimensions, materials, structural components, and even energy performance data, can be shared and understood by different software.

An important thing to note is that IFC is not just a CAD file. It’s a data-rich model format that holds information not only about the geometry of a building but also about its functional characteristics—like fire resistance, thermal performance, and cost estimations.

How IFC Works?

When an IFC file is created, it contains an abstract representation of a building’s physical components and the relationships between them. Unlike CAD files that are primarily visual, IFC files contain deep metadata—each element in the file is tagged with specific data. For example, an IFC file for a door could include its size, material, supplier, fire rating, and installation requirements.

IFC works by using classes and objects. Each class represents a building element, such as walls, windows, doors, etc., and each object within that class contains the detailed properties of that element. For instance, an object for a window may specify its size, material (e.g., aluminum frame), and any associated thermal or acoustic properties.

This level of detail is essential because it allows for much more than just a geometric representation. It enables teams to analyze and collaborate on the building’s performance, not just its shape.

What is OpenBIM?

OpenBIM is a philosophy, a movement within the AEC industry, advocating for the use of open standards like IFC to enable better collaboration. In the traditional world of proprietary BIM tools, each software vendor controls the formats their software uses. OpenBIM flips that model by promoting interoperability—the idea that software programs from different vendors should be able to communicate with each other seamlessly.

Key Principles of OpenBIM

Open Standards: OpenBIM relies on non-proprietary, universally accepted standards, with IFC being the most well-known example. Open standards ensure that data can be accessed, used, and understood by anyone, now and in the future.

Interoperability: One of the key goals of OpenBIM is to ensure that different software tools can work together seamlessly. Whether you’re using Revit, ArchiCAD, Tekla Structures, or any other BIM tool, OpenBIM makes it possible for everyone to work from the same set of information, regardless of their software preferences.

Collaboration: OpenBIM emphasizes open collaboration between all project stakeholders, such as architects, engineers, contractors, and owners. The key here is that no one is restricted by the software tools they use—everyone can work together on the same model, share data, and access updates in real time.

Long-term Access: OpenBIM ensures that the data is not locked into a specific software ecosystem. This is particularly important for long-term facility management and for projects that need to last for many decades, as it guarantees future generations will be able to access, update, and modify the model.

What are the benefits of IFC and OpenBIM?

IFC and OpenBIM bring a lot of important benefits to the construction and design industry, especially when it comes to working with different people and software. Here is the simple breakdown of their benefits:

Works Across Different Software

One of the biggest benefits of IFC and OpenBIM is that they allow different software to talk to each other. Architects might use ArchiCAD, engineers might use Revit, and contractors might prefer Tekla or Navisworks. Normally, these programs don’t work well together. But when they all export or import files using the IFC format, everyone can share and view the same model without needing to switch tools. This makes communication much smoother across the whole project team.

2. No More Being Stuck With One Software

IFC gives you freedom. In the past, once you started a project in one software, you were stuck with it. If you wanted to switch, you’d often lose data or have to redo your work. With IFC, that’s not the case. You can move your project from one tool to another without losing information. This means you’re not tied down to one brand or subscription—you can choose what works best for you and your team.

Makes Teamwork Easier

OpenBIM promotes better collaboration. When everyone can see the same model and work with the same information, it reduces confusion. Instead of passing files back and forth and hoping they line up, all team members can contribute to one shared digital model. This keeps everyone on the same page, which saves time and avoids costly misunderstandings later in the project.

Keeps Your Data Safe for the Future

IFC is an open and non-proprietary format, which means it’s not owned by any software company. This is great for long-term projects or future building upgrades. Even if the software you used becomes outdated or goes out of business, your IFC files will still be readable. This helps protect your work and keeps it usable for many years.

Helps Catch Mistakes Early

Using IFC and OpenBIM makes it easier to check the project model for errors before construction begins. Tools like Solibri or Navisworks or Revizto can read IFC files and run clash detection to find problems, such as pipes running into beams or walls overlapping. Fixing these issues during the design phase is much cheaper and faster than fixing them on site.

Saves Time and Money

When everyone is working with accurate and up-to-date information, it reduces the chances of rework and delays. You avoid doing things twice or making changes late in the process. This leads to faster decision-making, fewer errors, and more efficient construction. In short, OpenBIM helps your project run more smoothly and saves money in the long run.

Helps with Rules and Regulations

More and more governments and public projects are now requiring the use of IFC and OpenBIM. This is because open formats make it easier to review and manage project data. If your team is already using these standards, it becomes easier to qualify for public or international projects and follow local building regulations.

Makes Facility Management Easier

Once the building is finished, the IFC model can still be very useful. It can contain information about equipment, materials, room sizes, maintenance schedules, and more. Facility managers can use this model to operate and maintain the building more effectively. This saves money over time and keeps the building in better shape.

Increases Transparency

OpenBIM makes it clear who did what and when. Since all information is openly shared and recorded, it’s easier to track decisions and changes. This builds trust among project partners and helps avoid disputes. Everyone knows what’s happening and has access to the same information.

Keeps You Ready for the Future

Finally, adopting IFC and OpenBIM now helps you stay ahead in the industry. As technology continues to grow, the push for open standards will only increase. By using them today, you’re preparing your team to handle future projects, tools, and client expectations with confidence.

Challenges of Using IFC and OpenBIM

While OpenBIM and IFC offer a lot of great advantages, like better collaboration and freedom from software lock-in, they’re not without a few bumps in the road. Just like with any technology, there are some challenges you might run into when using them in real-life projects.

One of the common problems is software compatibility. Even though IFC is meant to be a universal format, not every software handles it the same way. Some programs might not fully support all parts of an IFC file, or they might display things incorrectly. For example, a wall created in one software might look different or lose some details when opened in another. This can lead to confusion, missing data, or even mistakes in the project if the information doesn’t come through the way it was intended.

Another issue is file size and performance. IFC files can get really big, especially on large and detailed projects. When you have a model with thousands of elements—walls, floors, furniture, MEP systems—it all adds up. These heavy files can slow things down, especially if the computer or the software isn’t built to handle such complex models smoothly. This might make navigation clunky or even crash the program sometimes, which can be frustrating during tight deadlines.

There’s also a bit of a learning curve involved. If your team is used to working only in one software like Revit or ArchiCAD, switching to OpenBIM workflows can feel unfamiliar at first. Understanding how IFC works, how to export and import files properly, and how to troubleshoot issues can take some time. It’s not overly complicated, but it does require a bit of training or hands-on experience to get comfortable with it—especially when dealing with advanced coordination or data-rich models.

Lastly, there’s the challenge of lack of standardization. Even though IFC is an open standard, there are actually different versions of it—like IFC2x3 or IFC4—and not every project team uses the same one. On top of that, some teams only use specific parts of IFC, depending on their needs. So, when two different teams exchange models, their versions or interpretations might not align perfectly. This can lead to inconsistencies or gaps in the data, which kind of defeats the purpose of having a shared format in the first place.

Who Should Use IFC and OpenBIM?

When it comes to working on building projects, a lot of different professionals are involved—architects, engineers, contractors, and facility managers. Each of them plays a big role at different stages of the project. But here’s the thing: they don’t always use the same software. That’s where IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) and OpenBIM come in. These tools are like a common language that helps everyone share information without worrying about which software they’re using.

Architects should definitely use IFC and OpenBIM. Why? Because it allows them to send their 3D design models to other team members without any headaches. Imagine you’re an architect using ArchiCAD, and your structural engineer is working in Revit. Normally, that might cause issues. But with IFC, you can both share and view the model clearly, without losing any of the details. It helps architects keep their design intent intact, no matter who’s looking at the file.

Now let’s talk about engineers—whether they’re structural, mechanical, electrical, or civil. Engineers often need to work closely with architects and coordinate with other teams. Using OpenBIM allows them to share their models, run clash detection, and do analysis, even if they’re using different tools. For example, a mechanical engineer can send a model with all the ducts and pipes, and a structural engineer can check it to make sure nothing clashes with beams or walls. That’s teamwork made easier.

Contractors and builders also benefit a lot from OpenBIM. During construction, they need access to detailed and accurate models to understand what needs to be built. With IFC files, they can see everything in one place, from materials to dimensions. It helps them plan better, avoid mistakes, and keep the project on track. They don’t have to worry about what software the model was made in—OpenBIM makes sure it works for them too.

Finally, facility managers and building owners have the longest relationship with the building. Even years after construction is done, they still need to maintain and update the building. With IFC, they can receive a digital twin of the building that doesn’t depend on a specific software. This means they can access all the building information—like room sizes, equipment, and maintenance schedules—without any compatibility issues. It gives them flexibility and long-term control over their property.

Conclusion

In today’s construction landscape, where collaboration, efficiency, and accuracy are paramount, IFC and OpenBIM are fundamental to ensuring the smooth execution of projects. By embracing these open standards, you’re ensuring that your team can work together more effectively, using the best tools for the job while maintaining data integrity across different platforms.

Incorporating IFC and adopting the OpenBIM approach into your workflow will not only future-proof your projects but also create a more transparent, efficient, and collaborative process from design through to facility management.

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What is IFC?

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Understanding Industry Foundation Class for Open BIM Projects.

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