BIM model data accumulates gradually, stage by stage, throughout the entire project lifecycle—much like the slow growth of organisms in nature. The core of BIM technology is to enable seamless exchange of diverse project information at every phase of the lifecycle.
Extensive research of both domestic and international literature reveals that most BIM software tools are designed for specific stages of the building lifecycle, often focusing on particular professional disciplines. No single software currently offers comprehensive full-lifecycle functionality. Instead, data exchange and sharing require manual re-entry and processing.
To improve interoperability and streamline information exchange, leading software developers began discussing collaboration possibilities in 1994. A year later, the International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI) was founded, promoting collaborative workflows. This effort led to the development of the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard, with its first formal version released in 1997.
Since then, major software vendors have continued to develop and enhance their platforms based on the IFC standard, which has been regularly updated with multiple new versions. In 2007, IAI was renamed buildingSMART, establishing branches worldwide to actively promote BIM standards and achieving significant global influence. Today, buildingSMART is recognized as the leading international BIM organization.
The adoption of IFC standards has created a unified framework for information exchange across construction projects—akin to “vehicles on the same track, books in the same language.” Project participants define required data exchanges according to the Information Delivery Manual (IDM).
However, in today’s globalized environment, project collaborators often come from diverse countries and cultures. Language and cultural differences can present challenges and misunderstandings during information exchange. To address this, buildingSMART developed the International Framework for Dictionaries (IFD) and introduced the Globally Unique Identifier (GUID) system, which assigns unique identifiers to each concept. This ensures consistent naming and description across different languages and regions, preventing ambiguity.
Currently, IFC, IDM, and IFD are all recognized as international standards by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), designated as ISO/PAS 16739, ISO/TC 59/SC 13, and ISO 12006-3 respectively. These standards separately address data exchange, information classification, and process rules, collectively supporting smooth information workflows in construction projects and advancing the full realization of BIM’s value.
Building on these foundational standards, countries and regions worldwide have published their own BIM implementation guidelines and manuals based on the IFC standard, serving as authoritative references for BIM adoption within their jurisdictions.
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