A BIM object is a combination of many things:
It is detailed information that defines the product and geometry that represents the product’s physical characteristics. The visualisation data that gives the object a recognizable appearance and behavioural data, such as detection zones, enables the object to be positioned or to behave in exactly the same way as the product itself. There are two primary types of object: component and layered. The component objects are building products that have fixed geometrical shapes such as windows, doors, boilers etc. Layered objects are building products that do not have a fixed shape or size such as carpets, roofing, walls and ceilings.
We create BIM objects in a consistent manner to allow designers to use our content with confidence that the object will perform as expected in the BIM environment. We work with the manufacturer to understand how their product works in the real world so we can ensure this is accurately represented in the virtual environment. We also help compile the relevant product data such as dimensions and functionality to represent the product in the most geometrically-effective way for designers to use within a BIM project
When creating BIM objects we look at the geometrical aspects of the product and the associated data. We then determine the relevant specification and IFC properties associated with a product. Products of the same type will have the same data sets to ensure consistency. The benefits to the designer are that they can compare BIM objects accurately and efficiently.
Watch the video and see how you can locate and save objects to your BIM Library or download via the NBS plug-in. Find out how NBS National BIM Library objects data is structured and how it contains a number of property sets which can be interrogated further. Learn how our objects have functionality to allow you the designer to manipulate objects to suit project requirements.
