Type

Typically stored in a library, and defines shared properties for a specific component type. For example, a SingleTimberDoorF60_3x7 is defined as:

• Type: single swing door
• Material: timber
• Fire rating: F60; s
• Size: 3’ x 7’
• Color: blue

Instance

Typically stored in building information models, and defines the shared and private properties of a single occurrence of the component type. For example, a SingleTimberDoorF60_3’x7’ in Room 001, is defined as:

• Type: single
• Material: timber
• Fire rating: F60
• Size: 3’ x 7’
• Door number: D001
• Sound proof: true
• Color: red

The instance inherits some or all of it’s parent type shared properties, and can also have additional private properties (such as door no: D001; and sound proof: true). It can also have redefined shared properties that become private properties (such as color: red).