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Elements & Attributes – Managing and structuring model information

In this article, you will learn how to create, edit and use elements and attributes on the big® platform to manage your project in a structured way.

Introduction:
The management of elements and attributes is a central component of the big® platform. They make it possible to structure important project information and make it available for processing and analysis. Elements and attributes provide the foundation for managing building components and other project information and ensure a transparent, traceable structure throughout the project lifecycle.

1. Function: Elements & Attributes

The "Elements and Attributes" menu can be opened via Project Administration. This function is only available and visible to KQ and BIM Administrators. In this menu, building component groups (elements) and their schema (attributes) are defined and managed.

2. Adding a New Element

New elements can be added at any time; however, they initially have no instances, attributes, or mappings. It is also possible to copy existing elements, so that already created attributes and mappings are transferred.

  • Name: The name of the element, often based on the Element Plan (required field).
  • Index: Determines the order in the model run (required field; default value: 9999).
  • Tags: Tags can be used to highlight and categorise specific elements, making them easier to find.
  • Colouring: This option colours all instances within the element, making them easier to distinguish visually.
  • Transparency: Applies transparency to all instances within the element, making them less visually prominent in the model.
  • Show when hiding Spaces: Allows room and storey areas to be hidden in the overall model when this toggle is deactivated. By default, this option is enabled, so these areas are always displayed.

3. Editing or Copying an Existing Element

  • Edit: An existing element can be edited at any time. Changes can be made to the name, attributes, or mapping options.
  • Copy: Elements can also be copied, with all associated attributes and mappings being transferred. This makes it easier to quickly create similar elements without having to create attributes and mappings from scratch.

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4. Method: Typing

In big®, each building component is assigned a type. Typing is a method used in information science to represent data (information) in a more structured and manageable way. Characteristics (properties, attributes) are consolidated to simplify the data structure.

  • Type Name: An attribute called "Type Name" is created by default for every element. It does not need to be added manually and cannot be deleted.
  • Type Definition: The type definition is part of the project requirements and is generally defined in the Project Execution Plan.

5. Adding an Attribute

A new instance attribute or type attribute can be created using the "New Attribute" button.

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6. Attribute Properties (Metadata)

  • Attribute Name: The name of the attribute, often based on the Element Plan (required field).
  • Value: Can be used to populate empty attributes with a default value.
  • Data Type: Selection from String, Double, Integer, TextArea, or Date (required field).
  • Unit: Can be used to specify a unit for the attribute (e.g. kg, m).
  • Discipline: Assignment to the discipline from which the attribute is to be populated (required field).
  • Subgroup: Additional group for structuring and improving clarity, generally based on attribute usage, see Element Plan.
  • Identifier: Uses this attribute instead of the GUID for unique identification (e.g. for door planning).
  • Dropdown: Dropdown options for predefined values (see Dropdown Values).
  • Protect Attribute: Locks the attribute in the detail sheet so that it cannot be changed manually.
  • Structural Attribute: Defines this attribute as a structural attribute, making it available for evaluation within the structure of the overall model.
  • Slicer: Creates a slider for the value range (only in combination with structural attributes).
  • Storey Attribute: Used to isolate storeys and link them to plans.

Additional settings:

  • Position: Controls the sorting or order of attributes in the export and overall model.
  • LOI / Project Phase: Assignment according to the requirements specification.
  • Colour Index and Text Style: Currently not used.
  • Width: Defines the column width in the export and overall model.
  • Visibility Range: Currently not used.
  • Favourite: Controls the display in the detail sheet (expanded/collapsed).

7. Function: Attribute Group (Key List)

Attribute groups are used to create predefined key lists (combinations of values), similar to the Excel functions "LOOKUP" or "Key List".

  • Source Attribute (Key): The key attribute is always unique.
  • Target Attribute: A key attribute can control any number of target attributes.

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8. Batch Export/Import

Attributes can also be created or edited in batches using an Excel list. However, it is not possible to delete attributes using an Excel list.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

For further questions or support, please feel free to contact us by email at support@build-big.de.