VectorWorks supports Building Information Model (BIM) interoperability using the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) file format.
IFC is an international standard that stores building data in a database, permitting 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:
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Round-trip engineering, where an architect exports a model to a structural engineer for analysis and design, and then re-imports the structural data for coordination purposes;
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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. VectorWorks’ plug-in objects are automatically converted into their corresponding IFC objects upon export. With the Create IFC Entity command, users can assign object types and properties to arbitrary collections of geometry (such as groups or symbols), so that other applications that use these IFC files can identify these objects.
When an IFC file is imported into VectorWorks, many objects (such as slabs or walls) are brought in as their corresponding VectorWorks objects. However, the properties of many objects may not be matched to the corresponding VectorWorks object properties to parametrically create the closest-matching VectorWorks plug-in object. There may also be a situation where an object (such as a column base plate) does not have a good match among VectorWorks plug-in objects. In these cases, the object is imported into VectorWorks as a particular and flexible kind of plug-in object: an “IFC Entity.” Like a group, an IFC Entity can contain an arbitrary collection of geometry, 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, VectorWorks can import any kind of object supported by the IFC data standard, regardless of whether it has a corresponding parametric plug-in object.
Generally, VectorWorks expects users to export their files as entire projects (sites with buildings consisting of stories), to be exchanged or analyzed with other IFC applications. When using the Export IFC command, design layers are assigned to building stories for meaningful export. The Import IFC Project command assigns building stories to their own design layers.
VectorWorks also includes the ability to import and export IFC objects, anticipating that IFC may become a useful data platform for delivering product information from building products manufacturers to architects.