IFC 2×3 coordination view 2.0
IFC 2×3 Coordination View 2.0: what is it and how does it work. Practical examples and federated IFC models ready to use
In this article, we’ll be guiding you to better understand the concept of IFC and MVD (Model View Definition), particularly focusing on IFC 2×3 Coordination View 2.0 goals and characteristics. We’ll be addressing IFC, intended as a common schema to exchange all type of data and illustrate a list of the most common and updated MVDs (Model View Definition), a subset of the IFC schema. To get more info about this topic, you can also read this post: “IFC format and Open BIM, all you need to know“.
I’ll also show you an example with federated IFC models that will help you to analyze the differences between various disciplines involved. To open the file you can test an online BIM viewer for free.
Models’ federation with usBIM
IFC and Model View Definition (MVD)
IFC is basically a data schema that is used to digitally describe, share and exchange construction and facilities management information. Therefore the IFC hierarchical schema setting allows you to give a logical order to entities.
Since IFC schema versions and MVDs are best described by examples, you can view and understand how IFC-related information are arranged in the following building file example using the ACCA software IFC viewer.
Keep in mind that the spatial structure and physical components of a building are hierarchically modelled within the IFC standard. Therefore the key elements to understand how the hierarchy is organized are the following:
IfcProject: establishes the context for information to be exchanged or shared;IfcSite: is the entity that represents the project site;IfcBuilding: identifies the building or buildings on the site;IfcBuildingStorey: represents the levels (or more commonly the floors) into which a building is split;IfcSpace: is a collection of spaces in a building storey;IfcBuildingElement: identifies the construction elements of a building and are generally associated with a level.
Hierarchical organization and identification of elements
Simply open the file and read the information relating to each element as highlighted in the figure.
In a BIM workflow, we can predefine what information needs to be transferred. This is achieved by the MVD.
MVD, Model View Definition, describes the subset of a data schema that is required to exchange the data required in specific data exchange scenarios.
This methodology is adopted to avoid that redundant or non-functional information are conveyed during an information exchange and to facilitate the model reading process during an information exchange.
With this logic we have the possibility, therefore, to render more legible the model and to facilitate the sharing of information according to standardized procedures.
IFC schema and MVD
The MVD is practically a selection of classes of the overall IFC schema, to describe a data exchange for a specific use or workflow. buildingSMART International has listed a series of MVD releases, available on their website.
Some examples of MVDs include:
- IFC 2×3 Coordination View 2.0
- IFC 4 Reference View
- IFC 4 Design TransferView
buildingSMART certifies software for specific MVD implementation which validates that a given design tool can correctly export the required MVD for correct IFC management. In fact, a certified software will be able to correctly manage all IFC schema classes inserted within the MVD specification.
Here is the complete list of buildingSMART International certified software for “Coordination View 2×3” MVD.
IFC 2×3 Coordination View 2.0
IFC 2×3 Coordination View 2.0 is an official buildingSMART International MVD that targets the coordination between the architectural, structural engineering, and building services (MEP) tasks during the design phase.
Various IFC schemas have been released in different versions:
- IFC 1.0 in 1996
- IFC 1.5 in 1998
- IFC 2.0 in 1999
- IFC 2x in 2000
- IFC 2×2 in 2003
- IFC 2×3 in 2005
- IFC 4 in 2013 (simplified naming of the current version)
IFC 5 will be released soon as an upcoming version.
“Coordination View 2.0”“, the IFC subset for coordinating the architectural, building service and structural disciplines during the design phase of a construction project, on the other hand, it specifies which MVD we refer to and therefore identifies all (and only) the classes present in the schema.
Federated Arch, Str e Mep models example
A federated model is a combined Building Information Model that assembles distinct discipline models into one to create a single complete model of a building. CV 2.0 clearly refers to 3 disciplines:
- Architecture (Arch)
- Structural Engineering (Str)
- Installation systems (MEP).
Federated model with usBIM.federation
View the sample file of a federated model yourself (including architectural, structural and plant engineering) and manage it with the free online BIM viewer.
You can do all the tests directly online:
- view the various models;
- hide objects;
- set transparency levels;
- ..and much more.
IFC 4 schema
Version 4 of the IFC scheme has several new features compared to the previous IFC 2×3.
The most interesting news are:
- the inclusion of new classes, with a consequent increase in information
- the identification of 2 new MVD (Reference View and Design Transfer View) to make the views more specific
To learn more you can also read:
IFC 4 Reference View
buildingSMART defines the Reference View as a view that represents simplified model geometries and relationships. This view enables coordination between various project disciplines, such as architectural, structural and plant engineering.
The difference between this MVD and the Coordination View 2.0 depends on the IFC schema version we refer to and, therefore, a semantically rich building data content.
IFC 4 Design Transfer View
The Design Transfer View is a view that has the function of representing geometries and relationships of construction elements and environments in more detail than the Reference View. This allows you to have a model with much more information, that is also transferable from one software to another and that is suitable for editing.
