openBIM®

openBIM extends the benefits of BIM (Building Information Modeling) by improving the accessibility, usability, management and sustainability of digital data in the built asset industry. At its core, openBIM is a collaborative process that is vendor neutral. openBIM processes can be defined as sharable project information that supports seamless collaboration for all project participants. openBIM facilitates interoperability to benefit projects and assets throughout their lifecycle

openBIM ensures that:

  1. Interoperability is key to the digital transformation in the built asset industry
  2. Open and neutral standards should be developed to facilitate interoperability
  3. Reliable data exchanges depend on independent quality benchmarks
  4. Collaboration workflows should not be limited by proprietary processes or data formats
  5. Flexibility of choice of technology creates more value to all stakeholders
  6. Sustainability is safeguarded by long-term interoperable data standards

You can read the full definition here. 

The International Home of openBIM

Who is responsible for determining the standards that apply to the openBIM?

buildingSMART International is known as the International Home of openBIM. buildingSMART is the worldwide organization driving the transformation of the built asset industry through creation & adoption of open, international standards. buildingSMART develops and maintains industry standards such as IFC, bSDD, and BCF. IFC is standardized by the International Standards Organization (ISO). These rules establishing a common standard allows the AECO community to benefit from a common language to export and import data. buildingSMART has been promoting the benefits of BIM for end-users as a better way of collaborating and exchanging data. With this foundation, buildingSMART is taking a leading role in the developing of extending the value of BIM by providing more open and collaborative ways of moving forward.

bSI has created some FAQs to answer any questions you may have.
What is openBIM and why does it matter?
openBIM® is a collaborative process that is inclusive of all participants, promoting interoperability to benefit projects and assets throughout their lifecycle. It is based on open standards and workflows that allow different stakeholders to share their data with any BIM compatible software. This collaborative approach, defined by buildingSMART International, aims to improve the quality of buildings and infrastructure projects and assets. It directly combats industry inefficiencies by fostering better teamwork and new ways of working. openBIM promotes a new mindset for the industry to collectively realise the benefits of digital transformation.
What are the essential requirements for openBIM?
openBIM requires commitment from the industry. This includes the development and support of open and neutral standards, high-quality implementation of the standards and approved independent benchmarks to ensure quality and rigour. Collaboration workflows should be enhanced as a result as data should easily be shared with any compatible BIM software application or document or asset management platform.
What are key benefits and beneficiaries of openBIM?
openBIM presents many benefits to projects and assets if adopted. This includes standard, transparent, dedicated and documented workflows that help streamline interdisciplinary workflows, avoid communication errors, and foster “future proof” accessibility of data. These provide clear business and societal benefits in the construction phase as well as asset performance.
Who is behind openBIM and how can you get involved?
openBIM is open to all. Many collaborators contribute to this process and an up-to-date list of supporters and ways to get involved can be found here: buildingmart.org/openbim/supporters
What is IFC and what is its relation to openBIM?
Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) is a neutral and open file format specification that ensures the longevity of data exchanges. IFC is a globally adopted data schema and has been adopted on a multitude of projects spanning asset types around the globe. IFC provides the foundation to openBIM data exchanges. openBIM offers equal opportunities for all stakeholders to participate in the digital workflows and offers greater choice of tools.
Who is responsible for developing open standards?
buildingSMART as an independent not-for-profit organization is responsible for developing open / neutral formats such as IFC, BCF and others.

Software Certification

IFC4 Reference View 1.2 Export Certification

In 2019, buildingSMART took the first steps in IFC4 software certification. The software certification program spreads the spectrum of stakeholders in the industry and provides open and neutral approval for software applications. Certification enables clients to specify the delivery of services and data without worrying about format, compatibility, or versioning of platforms used by the service providers or the client internally. 

IFC4 Certification has been split into two more specific view definitions to better support the purpose of IFC data exchange. Design Transfer View aims to support the transfer of model data to be used for further design, analysis, estimating and facility management tasks. This can be understood as a CV2.0 with some extended range. Reference View aims to support the coordination of the planning disciplines; architecture, structural analysis and building services, especially to support clash detection and resolution of issues resulting from geometry.

To register for IFC4, you can visit this site. 

openBIM Blogs

International Awards Program 2019

Find out who won an openBIM award.

The buildingSMART International Awards program concluded at the International Standards Summit in Beijing, China in October 2019. There were 5 category award winners and a variety of special distinctions and honourable mention. The finalists produced an infographic and all finalists produced a short promotional video. Find out how openBIM was used on these various projects.

Award Winners
Awards 2

 

 

 

openBIM Content Library

Dag-Falk-Petersen-ONS

Dag Falk-Petersen

CEO, Avinor Airport

"Oslo Airport is now more spacious, more efficient and more comfortable for the passengers. The expansion project was delivered on time and under budget by the design team".