IFC Format Interoperability

IFC Overview

The Vectorworks Design Series products support Building Information Model (BIM) interoperability using the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) data specification and file formats. Vectorworks currently supports versions 2x2, 2x3, and 4, and is certified by buildingSMART International for the export of models based on the IFC2x3 Coordination View 2.0 – Architecture model view definition, as well as import of any IFC2x3 Coordination View 2.0 model.

IFC is an open standard, developed and maintained by buildingSMART International, for building data that permits information to be shared and maintained throughout the life cycle of the construction project: design, analysis, specification, fabrication, construction, and occupancy.

The capabilities and usage for IFC data standards are still evolving. However, objects and models containing IFC data have been proven to be a useful part of the design process. Some examples of the use of IFC data include:

●    Collaborative design, where an architect exports an architectural model to a structural engineer for analysis and design, and then imports the structural model, in an IFC format, for coordination purposes

●    Energy performance simulation and analysis of a building envelope and systems

●    Automated analysis of code compliance

●    Space planning and space inventory analysis

Central to the concept of IFC is the idea of “semantic objects.” Like Vectorworks plug-in objects, IFC objects are more than just collections of geometry; they have a meaning within the building fabric itself, be it as a door, a wall, a window, or a handrail. The following Vectorworks plug-in objects have default IFC2x3 and IFC4 object types and properties assigned, but they may be edited by the user. These Vectorworks plug-in objects are automatically converted upon export to the corresponding IFC object types shown. Additionally, most content in the Vectorworks Architect, Landmark, and Designer symbol libraries has default IFC2x3 and IFC4 object types and properties assigned, but symbols may be edited by the user and are automatically converted upon export.

With the IFC Data command, users can assign object types and properties to arbitrary collections of geometry so that other applications that use these IFC files can identify these objects.

When an IFC file is imported into a Vectorworks file, IfcSpace objects are translated into the corresponding Vectorworks Space object. Since the properties of other objects cannot easily be matched to all the corresponding Vectorworks object properties and controlling parameters, the objects are imported into the Vectorworks file as a particular and flexible kind of plug-in object: an “IFC Entity.” The semantic definition of the IFC Entity—IfcColumn, IfcWall, IfcWindow, for example—is maintained and displayed. Like a group or symbol, an IFC Entity can contain an arbitrary collection of geometry, usually generic or constructive solid (CSG), but like a plug-in object, it can be inserted into walls and has sets of data and properties attached. With this generalized import capability, the Vectorworks program can import any kind of object supported by the IFC data standard, regardless of whether it has a corresponding parametric plug-in object.

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IFC Workflows

Assigning IFC Data to Objects

Assigning IFC Data to Zones, Systems, and Groups

Viewing and Editing IFC Data

Using Custom IFC Property Sets

Managing IFC Data Mapping

Creating IFC Schedules

Importing IFC Files

Exporting IFC Projects

Managing BCF Information

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