Information container
Also: Container, File (historical)
Quick definition: A uniquely identified, persistent set of information — such as a model file, drawing, document, schedule or data set — that can be retrieved from a file system or application.
Explanation
Beginner explanation
In ISO 19650 language, any "thing" holding information that you can name, store and retrieve is an information container: a Revit or IFC model, a PDF drawing, a spreadsheet, a report. Using one word for all of them lets the same naming and approval rules apply to everything.
Technical explanation
Information containers are the unit managed in the Common data environment: each has a unique ID (typically built from a project naming convention with fields such as project, originator, volume or system, level or location, type, role and number) and carries metadata for status, revision and classification. Containers can be structured (models, databases) or unstructured (documents, images). They are planned in TIDPs and combined through Federated model.
Practical example
The container "SCH-ARC-ZZ-02-M3-A-0001" might identify the architect's level 2 model for a school project. The same naming rules apply to the matching drawing sheets and room data sheet.
Why it matters
Consistent container naming and metadata make information findable, enable automated checks and preserve audit trails.
Historical context
Earlier UK practice referred to "files", "documents" or "containers" interchangeably; ISO 19650 standardised "information container".
Standards and references
- ISO 19650-1:2018 — Organization and digitization of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including building information modelling (BIM) — Information management using building information modelling — Part 1: Concepts and principles. ISO, 2018. Clause 3 (terms and definitions).Original VDC Stack.io wording, based on the standard
Supports: Definition of information container · Status: Stage 90.92 (to be revised). Revision ISO/DIS 19650-1 at stage 40.93 on 2026-08-18 (decision for new DIS ballot). - BIM Harmonisation Guidelines for Works Departments — Appendix I: ISO 19650 Terminologies (v2). Development Bureau, Government of the Hong Kong SAR.Historical record
Supports: Container / file / document mapped to information container
VDC Stack.io writes its own explanations and does not reproduce copyrighted standards text. Consult the cited standard for normative wording.
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VDC Stack.io. (2026). Information container. In VDC Stack.io Knowledge Dictionary. Retrieved from https://vdcstack.io/dictionary/information-container/