Animated BIM Models: How to Add Characters Step by Step

In Architectural Visualization (ArchViz) and integrated design, animated characters are no longer just decorative elements—they mark a shift toward true object interaction. In a BIM workflow, an object is not merely static geometry with metadata, but part of a dynamic, responsive digital environment.

In this article, you’ll explore this concept in depth through a practical example that clarifies the theory. You’ll also see which characters are available in a BIM software catalog and learn how to insert and use them effectively within your model.

List of animated characters available in the library

What does interaction between objects mean in a BIM workflow

But what do we exactly mean by interaction between objects when we talk about human figures? We can express this concept in three fundamental pillars:

• the human scale and the perception of space;
• behavior simulation and Wayfinding;
• Smart Objects and Parameterization.

The human scale and the perception of space

Interaction starts from the proportional relationship. A “populated” BIM model allows the designer and the client to immediately validate the functionality of the spaces. Seeing an animated character crossing a hallway or sitting on a specific seat allows for an empirical perception of the project’s ergonomics, transforming the model from a technical abstraction to a real scenario.

Behavior simulation and Wayfinding

Integrating animated characters means being able to simulate pedestrian flow. In terms of BIM Behavioral Modeling, the interaction between the “human” object and the “architecture” object (doors, stairs, elevators) allows for analysis of:

• escape routes – visually check the effectiveness of escape paths;
• accessibility – test interaction with ramps and openings for users with reduced mobility;
• congestion – identify “bottlenecks” in high-traffic areas like lobbies or commercial zones.

Smart Objects and Parameterization

In an advanced BIM software, interaction is governed by algorithms. An animated character does not simply “slide” across the floor; it senses the surface, recognizes changes in height, and interacts with furnishings. If we position a character near a parametric bench, the “character” object should ideally recognize the host and adapt its animation (sit down, lean). This is the true meaning of interaction in a relational database like BIM.

Static objects vs dynamic objects in BIM models

The distinction between static objects and dynamic objects marks the boundary between a simple geometric representation and an advanced simulation of the built reality. Understanding this difference is key to enhancing the quality of the project and its communicative effectiveness.

Static objects: the skeleton of the model

Static objects represent the invariable components of the building. We are talking about columns, beams, slabs, and walls. Although they possess a high degree of intelligence (thermal, structural, acoustic parameters), their nature is, by definition, immobile.

• Role: provide the physical framework and technical data of the project.
• Limit: in a presentation or functional analysis, static objects fail to describe the “life” of the building, rendering the space perceived as cold and abstract.

Dynamic objects: the breath of the project

The introduction of dynamic objects transforms the BIM model from a container to a scenario. These objects, unlike traditional 3D blocks, have variables linked to time and movement. Animated characters are the most emblematic example of this category.
A dynamic object in a BIM flow is not just “something that moves,” but an entity that responds to stimuli:

• procedural animation – a character that does not just repeat an infinite cycle of steps, but follows complex paths calculated based on the geometry of the floor;
• environmental interaction – objects that change state when a user passes by (e.g., a door that opens, a light that turns on, or an escalator in operation);
• narrative flexibility – the ability to alter the pose, action, or speed of movement based on the purpose of the scene (crowd analysis vs emotional rendering).

Why dynamism is essential for BIM 4D and 6D

Beyond aesthetics, the distinction between static and dynamic touches on deeper dimensions of BIM:

• BIM 4D (Time) – dynamic objects help visualize construction phases by showing moving vehicles or workers at work, making the temporal planning immediately comprehensible;
• BIM 6D (Sustainability and Management) – simulating user behavior (dynamic objects) within an envelope (static object) allows for optimization of energy consumption and maintenance plans based on actual use of spaces.

Why object behavior is essential for spatial validation

In traditional design, spatial validation often limited itself to a two-dimensional check: a standard radius circle to test accessibility or a line to measure a passage.
In BIM, spatial validation evolves into a dynamic verification where the behavior of animated characters becomes the unit of measurement of space.

The simulation of dynamic occupancy

Unlike a static mannequin, an animated character occupies a space that varies over time. The “behavior” of a person walking is different from that of a person running or carrying a load:

• analysis of anthropometric interferences – inserting a dynamic object allows checking if, during movement, the character collides with furnishings, columns, or protruding elements;
• verification of maneuvering spaces – in complex environments like hospitals or industrial kitchens, the behavior of the object (e.g., the turning radius of a nurse or the movement of a machine operator) determines the actual effectiveness of the architectural layout.

Visual perception and shadow cones

The behavior of a character is not only about limb movement but also about the orientation of gaze. Spatial validation today includes Human Perspective Analysis. By moving an animated character along a path, we can test in real time whether emergency signals or directional indications are visible from different heights and angles. Moreover, in more advanced systems, it is possible to predict the behavior of dynamic objects that allow for assessing the feeling of “crowding.” A space might seem spacious on paper but appear overwhelming once populated by characters interacting with each other.

Behavior as a project stress test

Spatially validating a model means subjecting it to a “stress test.” If an animated character, programmed with a “quick exit” behavior, encounters an obstacle in the flow of movement, the design flaw emerges immediately. This approach prevents costly changes during the execution phase as it allows for correcting the position of a wall or the opening of a door already during the Design Development phase.

The new animated characters of Edificius

One of the innovations offered by BIM technology is the opportunity to work with “smart objects”, such as animated characters, equipped with intrinsic properties that interact within the BIM model. Each object represented in the model is capable of establishing relationships with other components of the project: thus, we are not talking about static objects, but dynamic ones, meaning objects that interact with the entire surrounding environment.
If you want to include animated characters in your 3D model, Edificius has a rich and continuously updated catalog available.
The online catalog features characters with different characteristics designed to meet multiple needs. There are characters lying down, sitting, riding bikes, talking on the phone, swimming, walking, and characterized by work, leisure, swimming, jogging clothing, etc.
Additionally, new characters have been added that are useful for setting up a healthcare construction project: doctors, nurses, and patients.

Animated characters in a BIM model

The new characters move on the scene following the indicated path and gesture simulating a mutual interaction (doctor-patient, doctor-nurse, etc.). The clothing that characterizes them is typical of hospital environments: doctors and nurses wear masks, shoe covers, hats, and disposable gowns.

A use case of moving objects in architectural design

Let’s now see where this technology expresses its maximum potential.
With Edificius, you can insert an animated character in plan, or directly in 3D.
I will guide you through the process with a practical example:

1. open your project in Edificius
2. select “Animated Character” from the objects menu
3. in the “Properties” toolbox, choose a character from the “BIM Objects Library” or download it from the “Online Catalog”
4. position the character within the scene with a simple mouse click
5. from the “Properties” toolbox, set the speed and characteristics of the animated character (still, in motion, on the phone, etc.)
6. define the trajectory of the character using the mouse
7. adjust and modify the path according to your needs
8. from the Real Time Rendering view, visualize the character moving along the previously defined path.

Below, I show you some images that illustrate the steps just listed. Additionally, at the end of the article, you will also find a tutorial video on how to practically operate with the software.

Select “Animated Character” from the objects menu
Choose the character from the Online Catalog

Insert the animated character into the scene, in plan or in 3D

Through the use of the mouse, define the character’s trajectory

The path can always be modified and adapted according to your needs

From Real Time Rendering, you can see the character moving along the previously defined path

Characters for healthcare facilities

The Edificius Catalog is rich in specialized figures from the world of work. Among these, I will show you an example concerning animated medical staff: doctors, nurses, and patients. In this way, you can characterize your healthcare construction project (hospitals, clinics, medical offices, etc.) with animated characters suitable for the setting to be recreated.

animated characters – doctor

Animated characters-nurse

Animated characters – patient

By selecting the character, you can customize several parameters:

• the model (choose the type of character from the many available in the catalog),
• the animation (standing still, walking, on the phone, etc.),
• the animation speed.

In addition, you can define the path the character should follow by creating a trajectory with the help of your mouse.

Video illustrating how to insert an animated character in Edificius

Here is a short video on how to insert an animated character into a BIM model.

FAQ on animated characters in a BIM model

What does interaction between objects in a BIM workflow mean?

Interaction between objects in BIM, especially regarding human figures, is based on three pillars: human scale to validate the ergonomics and functionality of spaces; behavior simulation and wayfinding to analyze evacuation routes, accessibility, and congestion; Smart Objects and parameterization, where animated characters are governed by algorithms that allow them to recognize level differences and interact with specific furnishings.

What is the difference between static objects and dynamic objects in BIM models?

Static objects (such as columns, beams, and walls) constitute the physical structure and technical data of the model but are immobile. Dynamic objects, such as animated characters, introduce the variables of time and movement, responding to stimuli through procedural animations and environmental interactions. This distinction is crucial for BIM dimensions 4D (time) and 6D (sustainability and management).

Why is object behavior fundamental for spatial validation?

Object behavior transforms validation into a dynamic verification. It allows simulation of dynamic clearance (anthropometric interferences and maneuvering spaces), analysis of visual perception (Human Perspective Analysis), and subjects the design to “stress tests” to correct any layout errors already during the Design Development phase.

What types of animated characters are available in the Edificius catalog?

The Edificius catalog offers a wide range of characters: people walking, sitting, swimming, cycling, or talking on the phone, with clothing specific to leisure or work. Recently, new characters for healthcare construction have been added, such as doctors, nurses, and patients, complete with masks, shoe covers, and gowns.

How do you insert an animated character into a model with Edificius?

To insert an animated character, you need to: 1. Select “Animated Character” from the objects menu; 2. Choose the model from the Library or Online Catalog; 3. Place it in the scene with a click; 4. Set speed and characteristics in the Properties toolbox; 5. Define the trajectory with the mouse; 6. View the movement in Real Time Rendering.

Which parameters can be customized for animated characters in Edificius?

By selecting a character, you can customize the model type, the type of animation (standing still, walking, on the phone, etc.), the movement speed, and the specific path it should follow within the scene.