Vectorworks BIM Workflow with NOVA AVA – Notes

Here’s the best way to use the Vectorworks BIM workflow with NOVA AVA. These tips come directly from Vectorworks Germany.

The following basic structural requirements are recommended:

Fundamentals & Model Structuring for the Vectorworks BIM Workflow with NOVA AVA

Use of Floors: Assign all components to reference levels and floors in the organizational structure.

Standard Architectural Tools: Use standard objects such as walls, windows, doors, floors/ceilings, etc. This ensures that the components are automatically classified correctly. Draw foundations using the Wall tool and then manually classify them as Wall = IFC Wall.

You can find more information in the modeling guidelines Vectorworks.

4 Key Requirements for IFC Transfer

To ensure that Vectorworks exports valid IFC files, you must consistently prepare these four data layers during the export process. This allows other programs to interpret the IFC files correctly. It also serves as the foundation for the Vectorworks BIM workflow with NOVA AVA.

Criterion	Description / Purpose	Example
1. IFC Entity	Correct main class for the object type.	IfcWall, IfcSlab, IfcCovering
2. PredefinedType	Determining whether, for example, a floor/ceiling is a sloped ceiling or a floor structure	FLOORING/CEILING for IfcCovering
3. Pset_Common	General technical characteristics, as well as classifications such as whether components are, for example, external (IsExternal) or load-bearing (LoadBearing)	Pset_WallCommon, Pset_CoveringCommon
4. Export Options	Controlling Multi-Layer Components Using Export Options – Retrieving Quantities of Individual Layers in Multi-Layer Components	‘Export by Components = TRUE’ in ExportOptions

Managing Multi-Layer Components (Export Options) for the Vectorworks BIM Workflow with NOVA AVA

Multilayer walls, roofs, and floors/ceilings require a targeted transfer of data from their individual layers. This is the only way to ensure that the individual layers receive the necessary information regarding quantities and masses.

Configuring Export Options in the Vectorworks Data Manager

1. Select a component: Activate “Multilayer Wall” and open the “Data Manager” from the “Tools” > menu.
2. Add an option: Click “Add Data” under the active entity (e.g., IfcWall), search for “Option,” and add “ExportOptions.”
3. Select mode: Expand the structure and select the “Export by Components”(!) option.
4. Activation: Double-click “Export by Components” > Set the assignment criterion to “Fixed Value (Boolean)” > Set the value to “True.”

Here’s how the export methods differ

• Export by Components (Recommended): The wall container is retained, and the individual layers are exported as separate components within the container. Ideal for partner programs such as Nova AVA.
• Export Separate Instances: Breaks the component down into individual walls that are independent of one another (4 layers = 4 individual IFCWalls). This is only useful in exceptional cases.

Important Note: The ExportOptions with the “Export by Components = TRUE” option must be configured for the two component types, “Wall” and “Roof.”

For floor/ceiling combinations, this is not necessary if the load-bearing ceiling consists of only one layer and the floor structures are converted to IfcCovering—see the next point.

Note regarding floor and roof structures: Criteria-based assignment of IFC entities (example: IfcCovering)

While standard components such as windows (IfcWindow), doors (IfcDoor), or load-bearing slabs (IfcSlab) are automatically assigned an entity, floor and roof structures must be manually classified as IfcCovering.
Here’s how to create an assignment filter for floor coverings:

1. Create a filter: In the Data Manager, create a “New Criteria-Based Assignment…”.
2. Search criterion: Specify class = e.g., “AR Component – Floor Slab – Floor Structure” (and, if applicable, “Roof Structure”).
3. Assignment: Add the entity ‘IfcCovering’ and the property set ‘Pset_CoveringCommon’ as data.
4. PredefinedType: Use an “assignment” to dynamically map the PredefinedType to the object data (“function”).
5. Set the function: In the “Floor/Ceiling Data…” section, enter “Custom Function” (e.g., “FLOORING”) under “Function.”

Performing an IFC Export from Vectorworks

Once all Data Manager settings have been configured, the export is prepared.

Export Settings (File > Export > IFC Project):

• IFC version: IFC4 with the Reference View.
• Quantity Takeoff – Base Quantities: ✔ Check the box (export all relevant component quantities).
• Space Boundaries – 1st Level Space Boundaries: ✔ Check the box (for space and area analyses in Nova AVA).
• Export custom property sets (Custom Psets): ✔ Check the box.
• Floor Structure: Is automatically derived from the story structure.

Workflow Recommendations & Best Practices

• Design Software vs. Target Software: As a general rule, pre-structuring should always be done in Vectorworks. This ensures a high-quality IFC model for building owners, specialist designers, and future facility management (FM).
• Additional documentation: Use the official Vectorworks Modeling Guidelines.
• The IFC white paper from Vectorworks provides even more information on data exchange.
• Additional Help: Vectorworks BIM Consulting is available to provide you with further support.

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We wish you the best of luck with your Vectorworks BIM workflow using NOVA AVA!