While each of these topics has its own scope, they are closely related and mutually reinforcing. Together, they represent a forward-looking framework for openBIM standardisation — and an invitation for the industry to engage.

Four Strategic Tracks

These four initiatives support the long-term evolution of the IFC standard and deepen the liaison with ISO. While they are closely related and mutually reinforcing, it's important to note that:

• Track 1 is a formal ISO-led editorial update that is in progress.
• Tracks 2–4 are under discussion, in development, or being proposed, with the intent to become formal ISO initiatives in the future.

 

1.  Updating the document detailing the collaboration between ISO TC 59/SC 13 and buildingSMART International

The existing document detailing the collaboration between ISO and bSI from 2021 is being reviewed and updated. This is mainly an editorial and procedural exercise, led by ISO/TC59 SC13 Task Force 2. The action to review the document came from a recommendation from another ISO project. The goal is to ensure that both parties can operate efficiently and transparently as they navigate future developments.

Part of this update is exploring the possibility for buildingSMART International to obtain the ‘maintenance organisation’ status for IFC. This will make maintenance updates to IFC easier and provides a more stable governance.

 

2. Modularization of IFC

One of the more fundamental changes under discussion is the modularisation of IFC. Instead of one monolithic schema, future versions of IFC — starting with IFC 5 — are expected to be structured as a collection of coherent, clearly defined modules.

This modular approach is not just a structural change — it offers the potential for more flexible adoption, clearer scope definition, and better maintenance over time. The request for modulization originally came from ISO but has wide industry support. It has been announced in the technical roadmap in 2020 as a core component for the future of IFC. The intention is to make the modularization effort publicly visible and open to input from the broader community.

 

3.  Proposed Update to IFC 4.3 (ISO 16739-1)

IFC 4.3 is currently published as Part 1 of ISO 16739. A proposal is being prepared to issue an updated version.

Different options are being investigated, each one with advantages and limitations. Among the options currently investigated are: an update of the existing standard (Part 1); a new part (Part 2) preserving the existing Part 1 as-is; or a combination of both – a new part coupled with an amendment to existing Part 1. The goal is to give the update sufficient status, while making sure the current IFC 4.3 is not being retracted as ISO standard.

 

4. The Start of IFC 5 – Core Module as a new ISO Part

IFC 5 has been a multi-year development, and it begins with the core module. This foundational piece will define the essential constructs upon which all future modules will work. To make sure the current IFC 4.x versions are not withdrawn by starting IFC 5, this will also be started as a separate part of the IFC ISO series.

A New Work Item Proposal will need to be developed to initiate this effort, which may be published as Part x[1] of ISO 16739, reflecting its role as a clean, modular beginning.

The IFC 5 core — and the modular system around it — is intended to be developed in a transparent way, with public visibility and opportunities for industry input. This is aligned with buildingSMART’s commitment to openness, and the recognition that the next generation of standards must be both inclusive and adaptable.

 

Looking Ahead

These four initiatives — collaboration alignment, modularisation, the IFC 4.3 update, and the IFC 5 core — are interconnected. They do not follow a strict linear path, and some will progress in parallel.

What they share is a common purpose: to strenghten the way IFC is governed, maintained, and extended — with industry engagement at the forefront.

While still early-stage and exploratory, these efforts represent an important step toward a more scalable, manageable, and inclusive standards framework. These will also not be the last initiatives. With the modularity of IFC, more modules will be created, all following the ISO procedures.

Stay tuned as these proposals evolve — and consider how your organisation can participate in shaping them.

[1] to be decided later; but will not be 1 because we want to retain 4.3 as the current part 1

 

Published on the 12th of June 2025
Author: Léon van Berlo