United States, August 23, 2025
News Summary
A software vendor launched a cloud GraphQL extensibility beta that allows project teams to append and write custom properties to building model elements without opening original Revit files. The feature stores external BIM data alongside element records via APIs and the cloud UI, reducing file bloat and protecting IP while enabling broader participation from cost, field, and project teams. The update also integrates a Content Catalog into the common data environment and highlights CAD productivity and AI enhancements. The beta and public roadmap let customers preview features, provide feedback, and plan adoption across project workflows.
AEC Data Model Extensibility Beta, Content Catalog Integration, and Manufacton Acquisition Reshape How AECO Teams Access and Use Model Data
The AECO sector is grappling with increasingly complex and large amounts of data in modern projects. A major shift is underway to move data out of a single BIM file and toward cloud-native models that can be extended from multiple experiences. In the latest wave of updates, a GraphQL extensibility option is being added to the AEC data model API, enabling external systems to attach and write custom properties to model elements without altering the Revit file itself. Simultaneously, a cloud-based Content Catalog, the integrated version of UNIFI Pro, is being introduced to streamline how vendors and teams manage BIM content. The two changes sit alongside ongoing AutoCAD and broader industry updates, all aimed at making data more accessible, reusable, and collaboration-friendly across the AECO workflow.
AEC Data Model API Beta: GraphQL Extensibility
At its core, the new AEC Data Model API beta adds a GraphQL extensibility layer that lets project data be extended beyond the traditional authoring tools. Users can add custom properties to model elements via API-enabled integrations, enabling external databases and systems to contribute information without inflating the Revit model file. This approach helps keep the architectural and engineering models lean while still delivering rich, project-wide data visibility. The capability is designed to unlock substantial improvements in how properties are created and managed across multiple authoring tools, including Revit, with a goal of supporting increasingly data-driven delivery methods. Existing read and reporting capabilities are being expanded to support write operations, turning the API from a read-only surface into a robust data-management tool. Autodesk frames this as a critical step toward decoupling authoring apps from the sole access points to model information, broadening who can contribute and consume data as part of daily project and design decisions.
Content Catalog and UNIFI Pro Integration
The Content Catalog represents a cloud-based digital asset management solution designed to provide a single source of truth for BIM content, including Revit families. As the integrated version of UNIFI Pro, Content Catalog centralizes vetted BIM content and data, helping firms standardize and enforce firm-wide content standards while improving accuracy of deliverables. The system is provided at no additional cost to Autodesk Docs subscribers, with initial availability tied to US data storage locations and EU/Australia access planned for a future release. The announcements emphasize faster content discovery, reduced rework, and streamlined distribution, aided by a robust search capability and a cloud-native Common Data Environment approach. A quick demonstration and a knowledge base are provided to help administrators activate and manage Content Catalog within their Docs environment.
Cloud-Centric Collaboration and Public Roadmaps
The updates reinforce a broader push to extend the AEC data model’s reach beyond file-based collaboration. By enabling cloud-native data to travel with a project, teams can grant broader access to model information while preserving control over data, permissions, and collaboration workflows. Autodesk also maintains an active public roadmap for the AEC data model, inviting users to explore planned features and participate in voting on new functionality. Public beta programs for extensibility and related experiences offer early access for testing and feedback before general release, underscoring a customer-driven development approach that seeks to align with real-world AECO needs.
Manufacton Acquisition by ALLPLAN: Expanding Offsite Construction and DfMA
In a separate move that touches on the broader industry shift toward offsite construction and digital fabrication, the Nemetschek Group reported ALLPLAN’s acquisition of Manufacton, a platform focused on prefabrication and off-site construction (DfMA/OSC). Manufacton’s cloud-based platform provides real-time visibility into offsite production workflows, supported by modules for project planning, production management, materials management, and logistics. The platform includes advanced analytics aimed at continuous efficiency improvements and features integrations with major construction and planning tools, including Oracle Primavera Cloud and software from Autodesk, Procore, Trimble, and others. The acquisition is described as strengthening ALLPLAN’s US presence in the DfMA space and positioning both ALLPLAN and the broader Nemetschek Group for expansion into Europe and the Asia Pacific region. Industry watchers note that labor shortages in Western markets are accelerating modular and offsite adoption and that this aligns with broader trends in robotics and AI-enabled construction. Executives described Manufacton as a strong fit that complements ALLPLAN’s existing portfolio and opens new opportunities across geographies.
What This Means for Project Teams
Taken together, these developments mark a clear trend toward democratizing access to model data and enabling more stakeholders to participate in the AECO workflow. The AEC data model’s cloud-centric approach broadens who can contribute information and how it is stored, managed, and updated. Content Catalog consolidates trusted BIM content, speeding up design and reducing rework by ensuring teams work from current, standardized assets. The Manufacton acquisition reinforces the move to offsite and modular construction, offering real-time visibility and analytics that support data-driven decisions across planning, production, and logistics. For practitioners, this means more tools and data sources can be connected via APIs and cloud services, with fewer barriers to sharing information across teams and disciplines. The overall effect is a more flexible, scalable, and collaborative AECO environment that aligns with the industry’s push toward Common Data Environments and digital project delivery.
Looking Ahead
As the AEC data model continues to evolve, organizations can expect ongoing enhancements to permissions, data management, and cross-tool collaboration inside Autodesk Docs and associated cloud services. The public roadmap, beta programs, and knowledge bases are designed to help teams plan adoption, test features, and contribute feedback that shapes future functionality. The market is watching how these cloud-first capabilities intersect with existing desktop tools and how partnerships between software providers translate into tangible gains in productivity, accuracy, and speed for AECO projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the AEC Data Model API beta with GraphQL extensibility?
- The beta introduces a GraphQL-based extension layer that lets external systems add and update custom properties on model elements without embedding that data in the original file, enabling broader data contribution while keeping the source models lean.
- What is Content Catalog in this context?
- Content Catalog is a cloud-based digital asset management tool for BIM content, serving as the integrated version of UNIFI Pro inside Autodesk Docs to centralize vetted content and support standardization and faster asset discovery.
- Who can use the AEC data model features?
- Initially, the features are available to Autodesk Docs subscribers, with the goal of enabling a wider range of project stakeholders to interact with model data beyond traditional Revit users.
- What is the significance of the Manufacton/ALLPLAN acquisition?
- The acquisition strengthens offsite construction and DfMA capabilities, adding a platform for planning, production, materials, and logistics, along with analytics and integrations, to broaden Microsoft ecosystems in construction and support European and Asia-Pacific expansion.
- How can I participate in Extensibility Public BETA?
- Interested users can sign up for the Extensibility Public BETA, with participation implying acceptance of related communications and privacy terms, and providing an opportunity to test new capabilities and provide feedback before public release.
- What impact does this have on the Common Data Environment?
- The updates extend the CDE by enabling access to granular data and improved collaboration permissions, not just file-based sharing, allowing more teams to work with model data in context of the project lifecycle.
Key Features Highlight
| Feature | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| AEC Data Model API with GraphQL Extensibility | GraphQL-based extension layer lets external systems add and manage custom properties on model elements without bloating the source Revit file. | Enables data-driven decisions across tools and stakeholders; reduces file size while expanding data reach. |
| External Data Appends | Appended data can reside outside the model, enabling IP protection and streamlined sharing with external systems. | Lower risk of model bloat; easier collaboration with external partners. |
| Content Catalog (UNIFI Pro) Integration | Cloud-based DAM that centralizes vetted BIM content and supports versioning and discovery, integrated into Autodesk Docs. | Faster asset search, standardized content, and reduced rework. |
| Cloud-Based Common Data Environment Expansion | Extends data access and collaboration beyond files to granular model data within a cloud environment. | Broader participation from project stakeholders and improved data governance. |
| Manufacton Acquisition by ALLPLAN | Adds real-time visibility into offsite production, modular construction, and analytics, with deep integration potential. | Strengthens DfMA capabilities and broadens market reach in the US, Europe, and Asia Pacific. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Autodesk Blog: AEC Data Model API — Australia
- Wikipedia: Building information modeling
- Autodesk Blog: Introducing Content Catalog — The new BIM management tool for AECO
- Google Search: Content Catalog UNIFI Pro
- Autodesk: AutoCAD overview
- Google Search: AutoCAD AI features
- Architosh: Allplan buys US-based Manufacton — boosts DFMA sector
- Google Scholar: prefabrication off-site construction Manufacton
- Morningstar: Autodesk company report — CAD solutions
- Encyclopaedia Britannica: Computer-aided design
