Import an IFC Model
Import an IFC Model
Section titled “Import an IFC Model”Importing an IFC model is optional, but it is one of the fastest ways to connect design information with cost logic in Darwin.
When you upload an IFC, Darwin extracts geometry, groups elements, and prepares metadata so you can map model objects to modules.
This step accelerates quantity takeoff — but always keeps the estimator in control.
1. Before You Begin
Section titled “1. Before You Begin”You only need two things:
- An existing Darwin project
- An IFC file (any architectural, structural, or MEP model)
If you do not have an IFC, you can skip this chapter and continue with manual estimation.
Darwin works equally well with or without BIM.
2. How to Import an IFC
Section titled “2. How to Import an IFC”Follow these steps:
- Open your Project.
- Click Import IFC in the project navigation.
- Upload your
.ifcfile. - Click Start Import.
Darwin will create an IFC Import Session, a record that tracks the entire lifecycle of the model.
Screenshot placeholder:
Add here: IFC Upload dialog
3. What Happens During an Import
Section titled “3. What Happens During an Import”When Darwin processes an IFC file, it performs several steps:
1. Reading the model
Section titled “1. Reading the model”Darwin loads the IFC and validates its structure.
2. Extracting elements
Section titled “2. Extracting elements”The system identifies objects such as:
- walls
- slabs
- columns
- doors
- windows
- beams
- MEP components
3. Grouping and classifying
Section titled “3. Grouping and classifying”The system groups elements by type, layer, or category so they can be mapped to modules.
4. Enriching elements with metadata
Section titled “4. Enriching elements with metadata”Darwin prepares each element with the information needed for mapping and quantity extraction.
The result is a structured model ready for cost logic.
Note: Darwin does not use the IFC as the “source of truth.”
It uses it as input — the estimator still decides how objects map to cost logic.
4. Viewing the Model in 3D
Section titled “4. Viewing the Model in 3D”Once the import is complete, you can open the IFC Viewer.
The viewer allows you to:
- rotate, pan, and inspect the model in 3D
- isolate object types
- visualize quantities such as length, area, and volume
- click elements to view metadata
- understand how design and cost relate
Screenshot placeholder:
Add here: IFC Viewer screen
The viewer is not heavy BIM software — it’s designed for fast navigation and decision-making.
5. Understanding IFC Import Sessions
Section titled “5. Understanding IFC Import Sessions”Each time you upload an IFC, Darwin creates an Import Session.
A session:
- records the uploaded file
- stores extracted quantities
- tracks classifications
- preserves mapping history
- allows reprocessing if needed
You can have multiple sessions per project.
This is useful for design revisions or alternative scenarios.
6. When to Use IFC in Estimation
Section titled “6. When to Use IFC in Estimation”Use IFC import when you:
- want fast quantity takeoff
- have well-structured BIM models
- need visual verification of elements
- want consistency between design and cost
If the model is incomplete or messy, you can still use manual quantities, modules, and project data without any issue.
Darwin does not depend on BIM — it simply accelerates workflows when BIM is available.
7. Next Step
Section titled “7. Next Step”After importing your IFC, the next step is to connect model elements to cost logic: