Model Furniture

Overview

Provides the information concerning furniture. This information includes:

Specification of furniture name and description if required
Shape representation
Identification of whether furniture is built up from system furniture components
Specification of furniture or system furniture type and identification of the type to which a furniture occurrence conforms

In IFC, a furnishing element may be considered as either the complete furniture unit (chair, table, desk etc.) or as a system furniture element (such as a desktop, table leg, modesty panel etc.). Where system furniture elements are used, they are considered to be nested into a complete furniture element. As a rule, the hierarchy of types when considering furniture is:

Use IfcSystemFurnitureType for furniture components
Use IfcFurnitureType for furniture that has been assembled from system furniture and that has a known place of assembly
Use IfcFurnishingType for furniture that is acquired as a complete item

IFC supports a variety of shape representations for furnishing elements ranging from 2D to 3D surface model and boundary representations.

At present, IFC does not maintain a list of furniture/furnishing element types. The type must be declared by the user through the provision of a label capability. Guidance concerning the range of specific furniture types available may be found in national classification systems. The following items are examples of labels that may be assigned to furniture types. It is concerned only with internal furniture.

The list is drawn from the Uniclass classification system published by RIBA Enterprises Ltd and is reproduced by permission.

Wardrobe	Chests of drawers	Locker	Coat rack
Hatstand	Shoe tree	Cloakroom unit	Umbrella stand
Clothes drying cabinet	Table	Coffee table	Dining table
Chair	Easy chair	Settee	Stool
Bench	Chaise longue	Chair bed	Futon
Sofa bed	Bed	Foldaway bed	Bunk bed
Divan	Waterbed	Headboard	Cradle
Cot	Bedside unit	Dressing table	Bathroom cabinet
Towel dispenser	Sanitary product dispenser	Towel rail	Soap dispenser
Soap holder	Cupboard	Chest	Sideboard
Dresser	Filing cabinet	Map chest	Plan chest
Desk tidy	Carousels	Vertical carousels	Horizontal carousels
Trolleys	Waste paper bin	Ashtray	Refuse bag holder
Fender	Fire hood	Kitchen cupboard	Worktop
Bottle rack	Lectern	Pulpit	Choir screen
Organ	Font	Showcase	Notice board
Pin board	Writing board	Blackboard	Dry marker board
Poster display unit	Indoor poster display unit	Outdoor poster display units	Information sign
Nameplate	Plaque	Scoreboard	Consulting couch
Hospital bed	Hospital bedhead	Dissection table	Post-mortem table
Reception desk	Footrest	Armrest	Copyholder
Anti-bandit screen	Safe	Point of sale unit	Key security cabinet
Post box	Postroom rack	Acoustic hood	Curtain pelmets
Beanbag	Cushion	Planter	Vase
Plant	Artificial plant	Ornament	Mirror
Ornamental screen	Mural	Painting	Print
Sculpture	Clock	Wallhanging	Tapestry

A similar list could also be defined for external furniture but is not developed at this stage.

Results

Model of furniture type(s) and occurrence(s) including shape representation where appropriate and other basic information

Description	Entity/Pset/Functional Part	MAN	REC	OPT
Model the furnishing element type A furnishing element type is generally specified as either a system furniture element type, a furniture element type. In some cases however, it may be directly specified as a furnishing element type.
Set the global unique identifier	IfcSystemFurnitureElementType.GlobalId::IfcGloballyUniqueId OR IfcFurnitureElementType.GlobalId::IfcGloballyUniqueId OR IfcFurnishingElementType.GlobalId::IfcGloballyUniqueId
Apply the owner history	IfcSystemFurnitureElementType.OwnerHistory::fp_apply_owner_history OR IfcFurnitureElementType.OwnerHistory::fp_apply_owner_history OR IfcFurnishingElementType.OwnerHistory::fp_apply_owner_history
Specify the name of the furnishing element type	IfcSystemFurnitureElementType.Name::IfcLabel OR IfcFurnitureElementType.Name::IfcLabel OR IfcFurnishingElementType.Name::IfcLabel
Specify a description for the furnishing element type	IfcSystemFurnitureElementType.Description::IfcText OR IfcFurnitureElementType.Description::IfcText OR IfcFurnishingElementType.Description::IfcText
Set the applicable occurrence This should be set to a value of 'IfcFurnishingElement' to control the occurrence entity for which the type specification is defined	IfcSystemFurnitureElementType.ApplicableOccurrence::IfcLabel OR IfcFurnitureElementType.ApplicableOccurrence ::IfcLabel OR IfcFurnishingElementType.ApplicableOccurrence::IfcLabel
Shape representations that have been predefined as symbols (representation maps) may be associated to the entity. Note that, depending on particular needs, the need for a representation map is entirely optional. If required however, more than one representation map may be defined for the type. Where the representation map may need to be asserted, the fact is indicated through business rules in the exchange requirement.	IfcSystemFurnitureElementType.RepresentationMaps::fp_map_representation OR IfcFurnitureElementType.RepresentationMaps::fp_map_representation OR IfcFurnishingElementType.RepresentationMaps::fp_map_representation
A tag identifier may be asserted if needed This provides for a specific identifier for the type. It may be used to capture a type unique reference such as an article number.	IfcSystemFurnitureElementType.Tag::IfcLabel OR IfcFurnitureElementType.Tag::IfcLabel OR IfcFurnishingElementType.Tag::IfcLabel
Assert the element type The element type is used to specifically identify the type of furniture. In the absence of a predefined list, the range of possible type identities to be used should be agreed between participants within an exchange requirement. It is recommended that such a list should be defined from local classification systems such as Uniclass, Omniclass etc. Note that in certain cases, property sets may be associated with the element and these may directly characterize the element type. In this case, the element type attribute of the entity should conform to the specification driven by the property set.	IfcSystemFurnitureElementType.ElementType::IfcLabel OR IfcFurnitureElementType.ElementType::IfcLabel OR IfcFurnishingElementType.ElementType::IfcLabel
If the furnishing element type is specified as an IfcFurnitureElementType
Designate the place where assembly of the furniture is intended to take place The place of assembly shoukd be selected from the predefined list of places that offers the following options: 1.SITE The elements are assembled at the site. 2.FACTORY The elements are assembled at the factory of the constructor and transported to the site. 3.SUPPLIER The elements are assembled by the supplier and transported to the site. 4.NOT DEFINED	IfcFurnitureElementType.AssemblyPlace::IfcAssemblyPlaceEnum_
Model the furniture occurrence
Set the global unique identifier	IfcFurnishingElement.GlobalId::IfcGloballyUniqueId
Apply the owner history	IfcFurnishingElement.OwnerHistory::fp_apply_owner_history
Specify the name of the furnishing element	IfcFurnishingElement.Name::IfcLabel
Specify a description for the furnishing element	IfcFurnishingElement.Description::IfcText
Set a value for an occurrence identifier specifically for the furnishing element This could be used, for instance, to capture an inventory identity for the occurrence.	IfcFurnishingElement.Tag::IfcIdentifier
Establish the placement of the furnishing element	IfcFurnishingElement.ObjectPlacement::fp_place_object
Define the shape representation for the furnishing element A shape representation is only specified for a furnishing element occurrence if a representation map is not specified for the furnishing element type. Thus, generally, it is anticipated that this attribute will not be used. However, it should be borne in mind that a furnishing element may have several representations and therefore a special occurrence representation for it may be applied.	IfcFurnishingElement.Representation::fp_represent_product
Define the type of furnishing element to which the furnishing element occurrence conforms	fp_define_by_type
Model the common properties of a type of system furniture element Note that only common properties are described within this functional part. Property sets for more specific subtype of system furniture element may be determined from a catalogue of types and may be described in more local functional parts. Note that at least one value of the property set must be asserted.
Indicate whether the element is being used in a workstation (= TRUE) or not.(= FALSE).	Pset_SystemFurnitureElementTypeCommon.IsUsed ::IfcPropertySingleValue :: IfcBoolean
Define a group code for the element type	Pset_SystemFurnitureElementTypeCommon.GroupCode::IfcPropertySingleValue :: IfcIdentifier
Set the nominal width of the system furniture elements of this type. The size information is provided in addition to the shape representation and the geometric parameters used within. In cases of inconsistency between the geometric parameters and the size properties, provided in the attached property set, the geometric parameters take precedence.	Pset_SystemFurnitureElementTypeCommon.NominalWidth::IfcPropertySingleValue :: IfcPositiveLengthMeasure
Set the nominal height of the system furniture elements of this type. The size information is provided in addition to the shape representation and the geometric parameters used within. In cases of inconsistency between the geometric parameters and the size properties, provided in the attached property set, the geometric parameters take precedence.	Pset_SystemFurnitureElementTypeCommon.NominalWidth::IfcPropertySingleValue :: IfcPositiveLengthMeasure
Specify the finishing applied to system furniture elements of this type e.g. walnut, fabric	Pset_SystemFurnitureElementTypeCommon.Finishing::IfcPropertySingleValue :: IfcLabel
Model the common properties of a type of furniture element Note that only common properties are described within this functional part. Property sets for more specific subtype of furniture element may be determined from other furniture based property sets within IFC or a catalogue of types and may be described in more local functional parts. Note that at least one value of the property set must be asserted.
Provide a specific description of this type of furniture.	Pset_FurnitureTypeCommon.IsUsed::IfcPropertySingleValue :: IfcText
Describe the furniture style	Pset_FurnitureTypeCommon.Style::IfcPropertySingleValue :: IfcLabel
Set the nominal height of the furniture elements of this type. The size information is provided in addition to the shape representation and the geometric parameters used within. In cases of inconsistency between the geometric parameters and the size properties, provided in the attached property set, the geometric parameters take precedence.	Pset_FurnitureTypeCommon.NominalHeight::IfcPropertySingleValue :: IfcPositiveLengthMeasure
Set the nominal length of the furniture elements of this type. The size information is provided in addition to the shape representation and the geometric parameters used within. In cases of inconsistency between the geometric parameters and the size properties, provided in the attached property set, the geometric parameters take precedence.	Pset_FurnitureTypeCommon.NominalLength ? IfcPropertySingleValue :: IfcPositiveLengthMeasure
Set the nominal depth of the furniture elements of this type. The size information is provided in addition to the shape representation and the geometric parameters used within. In cases of inconsistency between the geometric parameters and the size properties, provided in the attached property set, the geometric parameters take precedence.	Pset_FurnitureTypeCommon.NominalDepth::IfcPropertySingleValue :: IfcPositiveLengthMeasure
Specify the main color of the furniture of this type	Pset_ FurnitureTypeCommon.MainColor::IfcPropertySingleValue :: IfcLabel
Define the property sets for the furniture occurrence This provision can also be used to add further property sets as defined within IFC or as defined by third parties to either a type entity or to an occurrence entity.	fp_define_by_properties

IFC Entities Required

IfcElement
IfcFurnishingElement
IfcFurnishingElementType
IfcFurnitureElementType
IfcObject
IfcProduct
IfcPropertyDefinition
IfcPropertySetDefinition
IfcPropertySet
IfcRoot
IfcSystemFurnitureElementType
IfcTypeObject
IfcTypeProduct

IFC Datatypes Required

IfcAssemblyPlaceEnum
IfcGloballyUniqueId
IfcIdentifier
IfcLabel
IfcText

IFC Functions Required

-

IFC Property Sets Required

Pset_FurnitureTypeCommon
Pset_FurnitureTypeChair
Pset_FurnitureTypeDesk
Pset_FurnitureTypeFileCabinet
Pset_FurnitureTypeTable
Pset_SystemFurnitureElementTypeCommon
Pset_SystemFurnitureElementTypePanel
Pset_SystemFurnitureElementTypeWorkSurface

IDM Functional Parts Required

fp_apply_owner_history
fp_define_by_properties
fp_define_by_type
fp_map_representation
fp_nests
fp_place_object
fp_property
fp_represent_product

EXPRESS-G

EXPRESS Schema

SCHEMA FP_MODEL_FURNITURE;

  TYPE IfcGloballyUniqueId = STRING (22) FIXED;
  END_TYPE;

  TYPE IfcIdentifier = STRING;
  END_TYPE;

  TYPE IfcLabel = STRING;
  END_TYPE;

  TYPE IfcText = STRING;
  END_TYPE;

  TYPE IfcAssemblyPlaceEnum = ENUMERATION OF
    (SITE,
     FACTORY,
     NOTDEFINED);
  END_TYPE;

  ENTITY IfcProduct
    ABSTRACT SUPERTYPE
    SUBTYPE OF(IfcObject);
      Representation  : OPTIONAL fp_represent_product;
      ObjectPlacement : OPTIONAL fp_place_object;
    WHERE
      WR1 : (EXISTS(Representation) AND EXISTS(ObjectPlacement))
            OR (EXISTS(Representation) AND 
            (NOT('IFC2X2_FINAL.IFCPRODUCTDEFINITIONSHAPE' IN TYPEOF(Representation))))
            OR (NOT(EXISTS(Representation)));
  END_ENTITY;

  ENTITY IfcObject
    ABSTRACT SUPERTYPE
    SUBTYPE OF(IfcRoot);
      ObjectType : OPTIONAL IfcLabel;
    WHERE
      WR1 : SIZEOF(QUERY(temp <* IsDefinedBy | 'IFC2X2_FINAL.IFCRELDEFINESBYTYPE' IN TYPEOF(temp))) <= 1;
  END_ENTITY;

  ENTITY IfcRoot
    ABSTRACT SUPERTYPE OF (ONEOF(IfcObject, IfcPropertyDefinition));
      GlobalId     : IfcGloballyUniqueId;
      Name         : OPTIONAL IfcLabel;
      Description  : OPTIONAL IfcText;
      OwnerHistory : fp_apply_owner_history;
    UNIQUE
      UR1 : GlobalId;
  END_ENTITY;

  ENTITY IfcPropertyDefinition
    ABSTRACT SUPERTYPE OF (ONEOF(IfcTypeObject, IfcPropertySetDefinition))
    SUBTYPE OF(IfcRoot);
  END_ENTITY;

  ENTITY IfcTypeObject
    SUBTYPE OF(IfcPropertyDefinition);
      ApplicableOccurrence : OPTIONAL IfcLabel;
      HasPropertySets      : OPTIONAL LIST [1:?] OF IfcPropertySetDefinition;
    WHERE
      WR1 : EXISTS(SELF\IfcRoot.Name);
  END_ENTITY;

  ENTITY IfcTypeProduct
    SUBTYPE OF(IfcTypeObject);
      Tag                : OPTIONAL IfcLabel;
      RepresentationMaps : SET [1:?] OF fp_map_representation;
    WHERE
      WR41 : NOT(EXISTS(SELF\IfcTypeObject.ObjectTypeOf[1])) OR
             (SIZEOF(QUERY(temp <* SELF\IfcTypeObject.ObjectTypeOf[1].RelatedObjects |
             NOT('IFC2X2_FINAL.IFCPRODUCT' IN TYPEOF(temp)))
             ) = 0);
  END_ENTITY;

  ENTITY IfcElementType
    ABSTRACT SUPERTYPE
    SUBTYPE OF(IfcTypeProduct);
      ElementType : OPTIONAL IfcLabel;
  END_ENTITY;

  ENTITY IfcFurnishingElementType
    ABSTRACT SUPERTYPE OF (ONEOF(IfcFurnitureType, IfcSystemFurnitureElementType))
    SUBTYPE OF(IfcElementType);
  END_ENTITY;

  ENTITY IfcFurnitureType
    SUBTYPE OF(IfcFurnishingElementType);
      AssemblyPlace : IfcAssemblyPlaceEnum;
  END_ENTITY;

  ENTITY IfcSystemFurnitureElementType
    SUBTYPE OF(IfcFurnishingElementType);
  END_ENTITY;

  ENTITY IfcElement
    ABSTRACT SUPERTYPE
    SUBTYPE OF(IfcProduct);
      Tag : OPTIONAL IfcIdentifier;
  END_ENTITY;

  ENTITY IfcFurnishingElement
    SUBTYPE OF(IfcElement);
  END_ENTITY;

  ENTITY IfcPropertySetDefinition
    ABSTRACT SUPERTYPE
    SUBTYPE OF(IfcPropertyDefinition);
    INVERSE
      DefinesType : SET [0:1] OF IfcTypeObject FOR HasPropertySets;
  END_ENTITY;

  ENTITY IfcPropertySet
    SUBTYPE OF(IfcPropertySetDefinition);
      HasProperties : SET [1:?] OF fp_property;
    WHERE
      WR31 : EXISTS(SELF\IfcRoot.Name);
      WR32 : IfcUniquePropertyName(HasProperties);
END_ENTITY;

  ENTITY fp_apply_owner_history;
  END_ENTITY;

  ENTITY fp_define_by_properties;
  END_ENTITY;

  ENTITY fp_define_by_type;
  END_ENTITY;

  ENTITY fp_map_representation;
END_ENTITY;

  ENTITY fp_nests;
  END_ENTITY;

  ENTITY fp_place_object;
  END_ENTITY;

  ENTITY fp_property;
  END_ENTITY;

  ENTITY fp_represent_product;
  END_ENTITY;

END_SCHEMA;

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