What Is openBIM?

openBIM is an approach to managing building information that is open, neutral, and software-independent.

It allows different teams, tools, and organizations to share and use BIM data without being locked into one vendor or platform.

Why openBIM Exists

In traditional BIM workflows:

  • Each discipline may use different software
  • Data is exchanged using proprietary formats
  • Information is lost, duplicated, or misunderstood
  • Long-term access to data is not guaranteed

openBIM was created to solve these problems.

Goal:

Enable reliable information exchange across the entire building lifecycle — regardless of software.

Core Idea of openBIM (In One Sentence)

openBIM is about sharing data, not files or software models.

Key Principles of openBIM

1. Open Standards

openBIM relies on open, publicly available standards maintained by buildingSMART International.

These standards are:

  • Vendor-neutral
  • Documented
  • Maintained long-term

2. Software Independence

Teams are free to:

  • Choose the tools that suit them
  • Change tools over time
  • Collaborate without forcing others to use the same software

openBIM does not replace software — it connects them.

3. Interoperability

Different tools can:

  • Read the same building data
  • Interpret it consistently
  • Use it for different purposes (design, review, analysis, operations)

4. Longevity of Data

openBIM ensures that building information:

  • Can be archived
  • Can be read years later
  • Is not tied to a discontinued product

This is especially important for owners, operators, and authorities.

The Role of IFC in openBIM

The most well-known openBIM standard is IFC (Industry Foundation Classes).

IFC is:

  • A data schema for buildings and infrastructure
  • A way to describe geometry + meaning + relationships
  • The backbone of most openBIM workflows

What IFC Is Not

  • ❌ Not a design software
  • ❌ Not a “Revit file”
  • ❌ Not just a 3D model

openBIM vs Closed BIM (Simple Comparison)

Closed BIMopenBIM
Proprietary formatsOpen standards
Tool-dependentTool-independent
Limited interoperabilityHigh interoperability
Risk of vendor lock-inVendor neutral
Short-term focusLong-term data value

Where openBIM Is Used

openBIM supports information exchange across the full lifecycle:

  • Design coordination
  • Model exchange between disciplines
  • Quantity take-off
  • Compliance and checking
  • Digital permitting
  • Asset handover and FM
  • Archiving and record models

openBIM Is a Process, Not a File

A common misunderstanding:

“We exported IFC, so we are using openBIM.”

In reality:

  • openBIM requires clear information requirements
  • Data must be structured, checked, and fit for purpose
  • Exporting a file alone is not enough

Typical openBIM Workflow (High Level)

  1. Define what information is needed
  2. Create models in authoring tools
  3. Export to open formats (e.g. IFC)
  4. Validate the data
  5. Use the data for coordination, review, or operations