Open Standards for Data Integration and Visualization Across the Project Lifecycle: Challenges and Opportunities of IFC5

Abstract: Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) enable interoperability across the AECO sector, yet IFC2x3 and IFC4 remain constrained by monolithic structures, limited external data integration, and weak support for real-time and web-based workflows. This paper applies comparative schema analysis and domain-based evaluation across four lifecycle phases, design, construction, operation, and deconstruction, to critically assess these limitations. Emerging IFC5 concepts are examined against identified requirements, highlighting both improvements and unresolved challenges, including governance complexity and implementation maturity. Results indicate increased flexibility and potential, alongside new dependencies and trade-offs. In conclusion, a forward-looking assessment and early-adoption priorities for IFC5-enabled data-centric workflows are provided.