Adaptable multi-representation building systems part

A method for selecting a real world component in a computer system comprising:

• selecting a single object component that represents a real world component used throughout a building life cycle, from preliminary design throughout a life of the building, wherein:
• as design decisions are made, the single object component acquires further definition by gaining one or more characteristics to specify the real-world component;
• the single object component and a connector of the object component recognize and automatically connect to a valid subsystem;
• and
• the single object component represents itself in a graphical display.

An apparatus for selecting an object in a computer system comprising:

• (a) a computer system having a memory and a data storage device coupled thereto;
• (b) one or more computer programs, performed by the computer system, for selecting a single object component in the memory that represents a real world component used throughout a building life cycle, from preliminary design throughout a life of the building, wherein
• (i) as design decisions are made, the single object component acquires further definition by gaining one or more characteristics to specify the real-world component;
• (ii) the single object component and a connector of the object component recognize and automatically connect to a valid subsystem;
• and
• (iii) the single object component represents itself in a graphical display.

An article of manufacture comprising a program storage medium readable by a computer and embodying one or more instructions executable by the computer to perform a method for selecting a real world component in a computer system, the method comprising:

• selecting a single object component that represents a real world component used throughout a building life cycle, from preliminary design throughout a life of the building, wherein:
• as design decisions are made, the single object component acquires further definition, gaining one or more characteristics of a fully engineered part that can be further characterized to specify a real-world manufactured part;
• the single object component and a connector of the object component recognize and automatically connect to a valid subsystem;
• and
• the single object component represents itself in a graphical display.