Is “Open BIM” the Future? Why IFC Matters

The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry has long been plagued by digital silos. For decades, firms were often forced into specific software ecosystems not because they were the best tools for the job, but because “everyone else was using them.” This proprietary lock-in created a “walled garden” effect, where data exchange was messy, files were lost in translation, and collaboration felt like a chore rather than a superpower.

Enter the movement that is fundamentally rewriting the rules of digital construction: Open BIM. By shifting the focus from specific software brands to universal interoperability, the industry is discovering a more transparent, efficient, and resilient way to build.

Table of Contents

The Philosophy of Open BIM:-

At its core, Open BIM is a universal approach to the collaborative design, realization, and operation of buildings based on open standards and workflows. It is not a software package you buy; it is a collaborative method you adopt. In a traditional “Closed BIM” environment, project data is often trapped in a proprietary format that requires specific, paid licenses to view or edit. If a structural engineer uses one platform and the architect uses another, the data exchange often results in “dumb” geometry 3D shapes that have lost their metadata, such as material properties or fire ratings.

Open BIM solves this by utilizing neutral data formats, allowing stakeholders to use the best-in-class software for their specific discipline while remaining part of a unified project ecosystem.

Why IFC is the Foundation:-

If the Open BIM movement is the goal, IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is the engine that makes it run. Developed by buildingSMART, IFC is an open, international standard for BIM data that is intended to be shared and exchanged between different software applications used by the various participants in a construction or facility management project.

Without IFC, we are essentially sending digital “faxes” of models static snapshots that cannot be easily manipulated. With IFC, we are exchanging “living” data. An IFC file contains not just the shape of a wall, but its structural load-bearing status, its thermal resistance, and its cost data, all in a format that any Open BIM compliant software can read.

Why Being “Software Agnostic” is a Superpower:-

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the ability to be “software agnostic” is no longer just a preference—it is a competitive advantage. When a firm is not tied to a single vendor, it gains several “superpowers” that improve project outcomes.

1. Freedom of Specialized Choice:

Not every software is good at everything. Some platforms excel at organic architectural conceptualization, while others are superior for detailed MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) coordination or structural analysis. An Open BIM workflow allows the architect to use their preferred design tool while the engineer uses a dedicated analytical tool, with both feeding into a central IFC-based coordination model.

2. Seamless Global Collaboration:

In the modern world, projects often involve consultants spread across different continents. Expecting every single participant to be on the same version of the same proprietary software is a logistical nightmare. Open BIM removes this barrier, enabling a truly global and diverse workforce to collaborate on a single digital twin without compatibility headaches.

Read more on:- Discover how these standards impact your role in The Difference Between a BIM Manager and Coordinator

3. Long-term Data Preservation:

Buildings last for 50 to 100 years, but software versions change every year. Proprietary files from 1995 are notoriously difficult to open today. Because IFC is an open, non-proprietary standard, it ensures that the “digital twin” of a building remains accessible and readable for the entire lifecycle of the structure from initial design through to eventual demolition or renovation.

The Synergy of “Open BIM” and Modern Technology:-

The move toward Open BIM isn’t happening in a vacuum. It is being accelerated by other technological leaps in the AEC sector.

Digital Twins and Facility Management: For a building owner, the value of BIM peaks during the operations phase. Using Open BIM standards like IFC and COBie (Construction Operations Building information exchange) ensures that the data gathered during construction can be fed directly into facility management software without manual data reentry.
Green Building and Sustainability: Achieving high-level green certifications requires precise data on material lifecycles and energy performance. Open BIM facilitates the transparent exchange of this data between design models and environmental analysis tools.
Automated Clash Detection: Interoperability allows for more robust clash detection in platforms like Navisworks, where models from various disciplines regardless of their native software can be aggregated to find spatial conflicts before they reach the site.

Implementing “Open BIM”: Challenges and Strategies:-

While the benefits are significant, transitioning to an Open BIM workflow requires a change in mindset and a commitment to rigorous standards.

The Role of the BIM Execution Plan (BEP):

Success in Open BIM is directly tied to the quality of the project’s BIM Execution Plan. This document must clearly define:

Which version of IFC will be used.
The Level of Development (LOD) or Level of Information Need (LOIN) required at each project milestone.
The frequency and methods of data exchange.

Without these ground rules, the “Open” nature of the workflow can lead to data fragmentation. However, with a strong BEP, the workflow becomes a highly organized and efficient machine.

Read more on:- Master the foundations with The Ultimate Guide to BIM Execution Plan (BEP).

Navigating the Learning Curve:

There is a common misconception that Open BIM is “harder” than staying within one software ecosystem. While there is a learning curve associated with understanding IFC mapping and data translation, the long-term reduction in manual rework and “data cleaning” far outweighs the initial investment in training.

Read more on:- The Challenges of Implementing BIM

Conclusion: The Path Forward:-

Is Open BIM the future? The data suggests that it isn’t just the future it is the present requirement for a modern, efficient AEC industry. As we move toward smarter cities, more sustainable buildings, and more complex infrastructure, we cannot afford to let proprietary software boundaries limit our innovation.

By embracing the “software agnostic” superpower and championing IFC as the universal language of construction, we move away from a world of digital silos and toward a world of truly integrated, collaborative building.

FAQ’s:-

1. Does using “Open BIM” mean I have to stop using my favorite software?
A. No. It means you continue using the tools you love, but you ensure they can communicate with others by exporting and importing via open standards like IFC.

2. Is data lost when converting to IFC?
A. If the “mapping” is done incorrectly, some data can be lost. However, with proper Open BIM protocols and modern software translators, the critical geometric and metadata remains intact.

3. Why would a company choose “Open BIM” over a single-vendor solution?
A. Flexibility and risk mitigation. It prevents being “locked in” to one vendor’s pricing or software roadmap and allows you to work with a wider range of partners.

4. Is “Open BIM” only for large-scale projects?
A. No. While the benefits are highly visible on complex projects, even small residential projects benefit from the clear data organization and long-term accessibility that IFC provides.

5. How does “Open BIM” impact the construction site?
A. It allows on-site teams to use lightweight, mobile-friendly viewers to access model data from any source, improving decision-making and reducing errors.