Closed BIM vs Open BIM
- June 2, 2024
What is the difference between Closed BIM and Open BIM?
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is one of the most important technological developments in the construction industry, enabling the digital design, construction and operation of buildings. Two main BIM methodologies can be distinguished: Closed BIM and Open BIM. Both methodologies have their own advantages and disadvantages and different approaches to data exchange and collaboration.
Closed BIM
Closed BIM is a closed system, usually managed by a single software platform.
This method is based on software developed by manufacturers such as Autodesk Revit or Bentley Systems. Data is exchanged only in the original native file format specified by the manufacturer, which makes data exchange faster and with fewer errors, minimal data loss and faster file usage.
The benefits of closed BIM include a single workflow and easier support and maintenance. The disadvantage is that it limits compatibility with third-party software, making it more difficult, time-consuming and more work-intensive or impossible to work with certain design disciplines.
Open BIM
Open BIM, on the other hand, is an open, standardised system that allows data exchange and collaboration between different software platforms.
Open BIM is supported by international standards organisations such as buildingSMART. The main file formats of Open BIM are IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) and BCF (BIM Collaboration Format), which aim to standardise data exchange and ensure software compatibility.
The main advantage of Open BIM is that it allows designers to work with their own, well-known and in many cases better-skilled, target software. The disadvantage, however, is that the data content is not consistent, and the export-import process not only makes data exchange more time-consuming, but also means that data loss is a regular occurrence.


Which methodology is accepted?
In certain countries and regions it seems to be decided whether open or closed BIM will be the dominant methodology, but this is influenced by many external forces – some of which we might not even think about (see Artem Boiko’s articles on this).
There is a serious battle for dominance, and this has reshaped the market to a large extent with the spread of digitalisation and BIM in the construction industry:
⮕ Between 2000 and 2010, 3D CAD software in all countries was dominated by Hungarian Graphisoft, which developed AutoCAD, and US-based Vectorworks.
⮕ Following Nemetschek‘s takeover of ArchiCAD and Vectorworks, interest in Revit surged in all countries after the 2008 global crisis. The design community virtually switched to Revit and within a few years it had displaced ArchiCAD in a good number of countries.
⮕ Tekla and Allplan, which started out in the same direction as Revit, lagged behind – the reasons for this are fewer features than Revit and poorer marketing.
⮕ Revit now has the lion’s share (more than 50-90%) of the BIM CAD market in almost every country in the world.


Summary
Both Closed BIM and Open BIM play important roles in modern construction projects.
The choice depends on which methodology best meets the specific needs and requirements of the project, and which is recommended based on local practice.
Another important factor is the future direction envisioned by the architectural firm. Whichever methodology is chosen, it will shape the company’s future for years. Establishing a well-functioning BIM workflow, training and integrating the team, and creating the necessary software and hardware environment requires significant resources.
Topic | Closed BIM | Open BIM |
Definition | Closed, proprietary system controlled by a single software platform. | Open, standardized system compatible with multiple software platforms. |
Essence | Workflow tied to a single manufacturer or software. | Standardized data exchange and collaboration between different software. |
Data Exchange | Only in the manufacturer-specified format. | Using IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) and BCF (BIM Collaboration Format) formats. |
Origin | Individual software developers, such as Autodesk. | International standards organizations, such as buildingSMART. |
Supporters | Autodesk, Bentley Systems, and other major software manufacturers. | buildingSMART, Graphisoft, Nemetschek, and other industry players. |
Benefits | Unified workflow, simpler support, better data quality, faster operation. | Wider software compatibility, use of familiar target software. |
Disadvantages | Limited compatibility with other software, designers need to switch software. | Problematic data handling, more time-consuming, non-uniform data content. |
File Formats | Native formats (e.g., .rvt, .dgn) | IFC, BCF |
Commonly Used Software | Autodesk Revit, Bentley Systems (MicroStation), Nemetschek Allplan, Graphisoft ArchiCAD. | Tekla Structures (Trimble), Solibri Model Checker, Vectorworks, BricsCAD BIM. |
We chose closed BIM
If you’re interested in seeing how we put BIM into practice, come to one of our meetups ☛ if you haven’t already, sign up for our newsletter and we’ll let you know when the next one is!

