Interoperability Definition

The IFC concept is based on the idea of objects (or elements in Archicad terms) brought together in an integrated model (Archicad’s Virtual Building). These objects are defined to support the whole lifecycle of facility development from inception through design, documentation and construction, then facility management and finally demolition and/or disposal.

IFC is to “Project Model” exchange (wall, door and window) what DXF is to graphic entity exchange (line, arc and circle).

IFC is available to all participants in the construction industry, for use globally, including use by all construction industry software vendors. IFC offers a higher-level “common language” for the sharing of intelligent objects between disciplines across the building lifecycle.

Why use IFC?

Why would you choose IFCs instead of traditional techniques such as 2D files in DWG/DXF or DGN format? The principal benefit of IFCs is their object description – not only does the IFC protocol preserve the full geometric description in 3D, but it also knows its location and relationships, as well as all the properties (or parameters) of each object, such as finish, serial number and material description. For Archicad users, this offers great potential to access the accurate geometry of building service systems and structural elements, i.e., to improve the information to be coordinated in the model, rather than relying on the incomplete functions of current 2D CAD.
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Tip: Note that Graphisoft’s GDL object browser technology also allows information to be saved and transmitted in IFC format.

Always remember that a combination of techniques may be more useful than sticking to one solution only. Choose what suits the project resources, the skills available and the specific task in hand.
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