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Glite Dictionary
🌍 World Bank agency 🏗️ Building data model
IFC

IFC

7.3
A standard file format that lets building design software share model and parts data
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : IFC
  • Many software applications support the IFC format.

Examples

  • The architect provided the detailed IFC files to ensure all construction teams had accurate information about the building components.

  • The IFC model allows for better collaboration among architects.

  • The architecture firm exchanged project data in IFC to ensure software interoperability.

  • The contractor opened the IFC file to check quantities and component classifications before ordering materials.

  • Many modeling tools can export a coordinated IFC so different disciplines share one consistent building model.

  • Using the IFC standard, the software was able to seamlessly exchange data about the new building's HVAC system.

  • To improve collaboration, all project stakeholders accessed the IFC model to understand the design and functionality of the building.

Surface Forms

IFC singular
IFCs plural

Etymology

IFC stands for Industry Foundation Classes, with Industry meaning 'business', Foundation meaning 'base', and Classes meaning 'groups', and it is a shared, open model for building data. So the name explains its use: it gives different software a common way to share information about parts of a building.