Australia’s architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is booming – from renewable energy installations in the Outback to the Sydney Metro project – and Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the key to delivering these ventures efficiently. BIM content, as the fundamental building blocks of these digital models, plays a crucial role in enabling accurate design, analysis, and collaboration. For many Australian firms, having access to high-quality BIM content has become a competitive necessity.
At the heart of this innovation is Interscale, a leader in BIM management that blends local expertise—ensuring strict adherence to regulations like NCC compliance—with global best practices.
Therefore, if you really aim to compete on the Australia, New Zealand, or Asia Pacific stage, combining homegrown knowledge with cutting-edge tech is crucial – and that’s exactly what Interscale BIM management content solutions delivers.
What is BIM Content?
BIM content refers to data-rich digital assets that make up a BIM model. In a BIM model, even a door isn’t just a shape – it’s a BIM object loaded with attributes like dimensions, materials, and fire rating, and often parametric, which can adjust to different requirements.
This richness is what sets BIM content apart from a static CAD drawing. Unlike conventional CAD, BIM content isn’t just about form – it carries functional data, like structural properties or energy performance metrics, that inform design decisions.
BIM content, like Revit families, can also be tailored to address Australia’s unique challenges. Imagine a Revit family for a wall that incorporates bushfire-resistant material layers for high-risk zones.
By embedding attributes such as bushfire attack Level ratings or cyclone wind classifications directly into the object, designers are better prepared for local conditions from the start.
Types of BIM Content
BIM content comes in a variety of forms, each designed to cater to different project needs. There are generic objects and manufacturer-specific components, as well as parametric models that adjust dynamically versus static models that provide fixed data.
Generic vs. Manufacturer-Specific
Generic BIM objects are standard placeholders, like a generic door or light fixture. This type are not tied to any brand and useful in early design. Manufacturer-specific objects come directly from product makers and carry exact specifications. Interscale’s BIM management offers both types.
Parametric vs. Static
Parametric models can adjust to different sizes or configurations via parameters. For example, one window object can represent many sizes by changing its settings, whereas static models have a fixed geometry. One parametric object can replace many fixed-size ones, whereas static content is reserved for one-off custom elements.
Template
BIM content can also include templates or assemblies – pre-built collections of elements, like standard room layouts, that enforce consistency and speed up modeling. And because Australian projects have specific needs, content libraries, including Interscale’s, also offer local-compliant assets.
For example, we provide AS 1428.1-compliant fixtures and disaster-resilient components so you can meet strict local requirements without having to build everything from scratch.
Why BIM Content is Essential in the AEC Industry
BIM content for architects is essential as a reliable library of objects to let them focus on design and minimize rework. On major projects, a shared library of standard BIM objects significantly reduces clashes between disciplines.
For example, Brisbane’s Queen’s Wharf project saw significantly fewer coordination issues by enforcing common content across all teams.
Quality BIM content even makes it easier to work with international partners. Australian firms with well-structured libraries can align with global standards without fuss.
By integrating detailed models and specifications, firms can bridge the gap between local practices and international standards like UK BIM Level 2 or Singapore’s CORENET.
However, managing a large BIM content library often requires the right tools and oversight. In the tech scene, using robust BIM content management software helps architects and engineers stay organized and agile, even in fast-paced project environments.
However, in the human scene, many firms appoint a BIM coordinator to be the man behind the gear. The good news is that Interscale BIM management streamlines the software and the expert in one holistic BIM workflow.
For reference, kindly check our guide about the role of the BIM Coordinator. Or you can check about BIM consultants, like Interscale, who have extensive resources available for your project.
Best Tools and Software for BIM Content Creation
Autodesk Revit and Graphisoft ArchiCAD are two primary tools in Australia for building design. Autodesk Revit stands as the industry-leading solution in Australia, with its native .RFA (Revit Family) and .RVT (Revit Project) file formats, serving as the standard for many major projects. Its widespread adoption among Australian government agencies and major architectural firms has cemented its position as the primary BIM authoring tool in the region.
For professionals working in alternative ecosystems, ArchiCAD offers powerful BIM content creation capabilities with its Geometric Description Language (GDL) and native .GSM objects. This platform enjoys particular popularity among medium-sized architectural practices in Australia.
For heavy structural modeling, Tekla Structures is popular for steel and concrete designs, exporting rich models via IFC as well. Beyond the core modeling programs, specialized applications help manage BIM data.
dRofus manages complex project data (like hospital room requirements) and links it to BIM models, while CostX reads BIM models to generate accurate quantity takeoffs and cost estimates. Whatever tools a team uses, ensuring everything works together is a big concern.
BIM Content Standards and Compliance
The quality and utility of BIM content fundamentally depend on adherence to established standards that ensure consistency, interoperability, and regulatory compliance.
International guidelines like ISO 19650 and the UK’s BIM Level 2 define how information should be structured and shared, which is important when collaborating on global projects.
Meanwhile, Australian standards, such as NATSPEC’s BIM object guidelines and government mandates, like providing COBie data for public projects, ensure that content meets local requirements. Even within Australia, different states impose unique rules.
For instance, an energy-efficiency metric required in New South Wales or a particular bushfire construction standard in Victoria.
Of course, keeping up with all these standards can be challenging. Interscale BIM management helps by auditing your BIM content library and updating it as needed.
If regulations change or new standards emerge, we will make sure your BIM objects are adjusted accordingly. This way, your BIM library stays compliance-ready, aligned with local codes and international best practices.
Free vs Paid BIM Content: Which One is Better?
The decision between utilizing free or commercial BIM content represents a significant strategic choice for Australian AEC professionals, so there is no single answer here. A free BIM content, available from manufacturer sites or online libraries, is enticing because it costs nothing upfront.
However, download free BIM content often has hidden costs: it might be outdated, incomplete, or not aligned with Australian codes. Using random free objects can lead to nasty surprises later. For example, discovering a “free” fire door doesn’t meet the local fire code.
By contrast, paid BIM content offers peace of mind because you’re paying for quality and completeness. Premium content comes pre-validated for accuracy and code compliance, so you know it will perform as intended. The time saved by not troubleshooting faulty components often outweighs the upfront cost – an investment that brings reliability.
For example, Interscale’s premium content library eliminates guesswork, and every download is audit-ready. When you source from our library, every BIM object has passed strict quality checks and is ready to use confidently.
How to Create High-Quality BIM Content
Producing high-quality BIM content involves a few key steps. First, determine the appropriate Level of Detail (LOD) for the object – model only as much detail as necessary for its intended use.
Next, embed all relevant metadata into the object, including its physical properties, materials, and any Australian-specific info, such as required fire rating or wind classification. Finally, test the content. Place the new object in a sample project to verify that it behaves correctly. Also, export it to IFC to ensure the geometry and data remain intact.
For existing conditions, a Scan-to-BIM process can help. Laser scans of a site are converted into a BIM model and refined into usable content. For your reference, kindly check our scan to BIM best practices guide for more on this technique.
Then, please evaluate. Why DIY? Because Interscale’s BIM content development service delivers turnkey assets in half the time. We combine expert insight with advanced software tools to produce reliable, compliant digital objects for your projects. By adhering to these steps, your firm can produce BIM content that meets and exceeds clients’ expectations.
Your Next Steps
Now that you’ve explored why high-quality BIM content matters, it’s time to elevate your own BIM strategy. As Australia’s AEC industry races ahead, being competitive means not just keeping up but staying ahead.
That’s why Partnering with Interscale means more than just compliance and accuracy—it means gaining a strategic advantage. From ensuring your BIM objects meet Australian standards to optimizing your workflow with precise, project-ready assets, our team has your back.
Ready to transform your project delivery with exceptional BIM content? Reach out today and let Interscale BIM management services propel your business forward.
