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IFCChat

AI-powered chat interface for interacting with IFC models using natural language. Powered by Google Gemini AI.

API Key Required: This node requires a Google AI Studio API key. See the API Key Setup page for instructions.

ChatWithIFCModel​

Opens an interactive viewer with a chat interface for natural language queries about your IFC model.

Inputs:

ParameterTypeDescription
apiKeystringYour Google AI Studio API key
ifcModelIFCModelThe loaded IFC Model

Output:

Opens an interactive window (no return value).

Interactive Window Features​

The chat window includes three main components:

3D Model View​

  • Full 3D visualization of your IFC model
  • Rotate, pan, and zoom navigation
  • Elements can be highlighted based on chat responses
  • Selection of elements for chat context

Tree View​

  • Hierarchical view of the model structure
  • Navigate through spatial hierarchy (Project, Site, Building, Storey)
  • Click to select elements
  • Expand and collapse branches

Chat Interface​

  • Natural language input
  • AI-powered responses
  • Results displayed with element links
  • Clickable element references to highlight in 3D view

AI Tools​

The AI assistant has access to these tools to help answer your questions:

filter_elements

Find elements by type, property values, spatial location, or other criteria. Returns matching GlobalIds.

get_element_details

Get comprehensive information about specific elements including properties, quantities, materials, and relationships.

analyze_relationships

Explore connections and relationships between elements such as containment, aggregation, and connectivity.

detect_clashes

Find geometric conflicts between element sets with configurable clearance requirements.

web_search

Search the web for IFC specifications, BIM standards, or related technical information.

get_user_selection

Get information about elements currently selected in the 3D viewer.

visualize_elements

Highlight, isolate, or color elements in the 3D view based on query results.

capture_view

Capture the current 3D view as an image for documentation or reporting.

Example Questions​

You can ask the AI assistant questions like:

Finding Elements:

  • "Show me all the exterior walls"
  • "Find doors on Level 2"
  • "Which elements are made of concrete?"
  • "List all fire-rated walls"

Getting Information:

  • "What properties does this wall have?"
  • "What is the area of all floors?"
  • "Tell me about the selected element"
  • "What materials are used in this building?"

Analyzing Relationships:

  • "What spaces does this wall bound?"
  • "Which elements are contained in Room 101?"
  • "What is connected to this pipe?"

Clash Detection:

  • "Are there any clashes between ducts and beams?"
  • "Check for clashes between structural and MEP elements"
  • "Find pipes that are too close to walls"

Visualization:

  • "Highlight all windows"
  • "Color the walls by fire rating"
  • "Isolate the mechanical equipment"
  • "Show me elements without fire ratings"

Tips for Best Results​

  • Be specific: "Find walls with FireRating equal to 2HR" works better than "find fire walls"
  • Use IFC terminology: Terms like "IfcWall", "IfcDoor", "PredefinedType" help the AI understand your intent
  • Select elements first: Select elements in the viewer then ask "What is this?" or "Tell me about the selection"
  • Iterate: Ask follow-up questions to refine results
  • Check visualizations: Ask to highlight results in the 3D view to verify findings