176 Bonsai, opensource BIM with Dion Moult

176 Bonsai, opensource BIM with Dion Moult

If you’ve been following the open-source BIM scene, you’ve probably heard of BlenderBIM. Well, forget that name because it’s now Bonsai! And who better to guide us through this transformation than its mastermind, Dion Moult? In this episode, we sit down with the force behind this revolutionary IFC-based add-on for Blender to understand why the rebrand, what it means for the future of open-source BIM, and why proprietary software should start shaking in its overpriced boots.

Dion doesn’t just develop software—he’s on a mission to change the way we think about BIM. Bonsai isn’t just a name swap; it’s a fundamental shift in how professionals can use, share, and expand IFC workflows. With a deep dive into the philosophy behind Bonsai and its relentless push for an open, collaborative BIM ecosystem, this episode is a must-listen for anyone tired of closed formats, vendor lock-ins, and software that treats IFC like a second-class citizen.

From BlenderBIM to Bonsai: What’s in a Name?

BlenderBIM has long been synonymous with open-source IFC manipulation, but the name didn’t quite capture the full vision. Enter Bonsai: a streamlined, more independent identity that reflects the project’s growth beyond Blender. Dion explains why the shift was necessary—moving away from the idea of an IFC “add-on” to positioning Bonsai as a complete, standalone IFC authoring and editing tool. The goal? To create an ecosystem that isn’t just an alternative to big-name BIM tools but a serious contender in its own right.

Beyond branding, Bonsai represents a shift in priorities. The project is now laser-focused on usability, performance, and scalability. No more clunky interfaces or limited IFC support. Instead, Bonsai aims to provide a seamless experience for professionals who need full IFC fidelity without the headaches of proprietary software. Dion breaks down the core improvements and what users can expect from this next-generation open-source BIM tool.

IFC: The Hero or the Villain?

IFC is supposed to be the industry’s open standard, yet so many software vendors treat it like an afterthought. Why? Dion pulls no punches in explaining the systemic problems that have held IFC back—deliberate obfuscation, lack of proper implementation, and the classic “IFC is too complex” excuse from companies that would rather keep users locked into their own formats. Bonsai challenges this narrative by proving that IFC can be a first-class citizen in BIM workflows, not just a clunky export option.

But IFC itself isn’t perfect. Dion acknowledges the flaws and gaps in the standard and discusses how the community can—and should—push for improvements. The problem isn’t IFC as a concept but how it’s been handled by software vendors who benefit from keeping things closed. With Bonsai, the aim is clear: to make IFC as powerful and practical as any proprietary format while ensuring users retain full control of their data.

The Future of Open-Source BIM (And Why You Should Care)

The world of BIM is changing, and open-source solutions like Bonsai are at the forefront of that shift. Dion shares his vision for a future where BIM professionals aren’t at the mercy of software vendors dictating their workflows, licensing models, and data ownership. With initiatives like Bonsai, we’re moving towards a truly open ecosystem where collaboration isn’t hindered by artificial barriers.

Of course, change doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Bonsai needs a thriving community to grow, and that’s where users come in. Whether you’re a developer, an architect, or just someone who believes in open standards, there’s room to contribute. Dion lays out the roadmap for Bonsai’s next steps, from better user interfaces to expanded IFC capabilities, and how anyone interested in breaking free from the chains of proprietary BIM can get involved.

The bottom line? Bonsai isn’t just a software project—it’s a movement. If you’re fed up with overpriced, restrictive BIM tools that pretend to care about interoperability, this episode is your wake-up call. Tune in, join the revolution, and let’s make open BIM the norm, not the exception.

Dion Moult’s recommendations

As always, we resort to our plundering arts to wrest from Dion his favorite tools and sources of information.

Recursos citados en este episodio

• ifcOpenShell
• blender history
• Bonsai bim
• gimp
• inkscape
• Tom Rosendaal
• ifcgit
• ifcsql
• Dioun Moult’s recommendations