The Language of BIM: Industry Foundation Classes for the Reduction of Construction Time

Abstract

Industry Foundation Classes, or IFCs for short, exist for the safe transfer of digital building information between professions. The language of IFC has been prevalent between some architectural firms and their corresponding engineering firms since the inception of BIM (Building Information Modeling). The transfer of this IFC data between persons, programs, and business systems has allowed for a much-enhanced project delivery, resulting in less waste, less frustration, less money spent, and consequently less construction time. However, as it is, only few firms utilize BIM technology, and fewer understand and/or utilize Industry Foundation Classes. Though there is relatively clear dialogue between the designer and engineer via standardized technology, there is much dissonance between 'architecture language' and 'contractor language'. This paper provides analysis into the topic of Industry Foundation Classes as the interoperable language between architect and contractor, and how IFCs can be utilized effectively by both architect and general contractor in creating a smarter construction schedule, thereby reducing construction time. It aims at providing hope for the dissemination of this knowledge to all professions involved in the building trades, and for better communication of information between architect and contractor.