The Data Backbone of BIM: Semantics and Interoperability in the Built Environment

This talk examines the importance of semantics and interoperability in BIM workflows and provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the methodology. It also covers BIM standards, specifications, and domains of application. In addition, a detailed analysis of the IFC schema is also presented, highlighting its hierarchical structure as the backbone of data exchange. Part of the content relates to A2Heritage, a library that integrates CIDOC-CRM into IFC to support analysis and documentation of architectural heritage. Case studies from European projects illustrate how structured data models enhance analysis, documentation, and long-term asset management. This video is a recording of a presentation given on 01.10.2025 at the Smart Living Lab for the course "Metamodeling", taught by Professor Hans-Georg Fill and Dr. Simon Curty from the University of Fribourg (Switzerland).