Bentley Systems has announced the release of Architecture for MicroStation TriForma. This parametric modelling product promises architects unprecedented topological modelling capabilities, automated extraction of production drawings and reports, and tight integration with related Bentley applications.

Developed in consultation with leading architectural firms, Architecture for MicroStation TriForma automates the architectural design and production process from conceptual design to construction documentation. It integrates parametric, 3D building design, visualisation, 2D drawing production, and report generation of quantities and costs.

"Architecture for MicroStation TriForma's new topological editing and enhanced support for curved solid geometry make it one of the best tools available for early design modelling," said Kyle Talbott, an architect at USA-based NBBJ. "Combined with an even stronger drawing extraction engine, this makes it a powerful design tool."

Tex Van Deventer, Managing Director, Bentley South Africa, explains, "Architecture for MicroStation TriForma is based on Bentley's unique Single Building Model concept. The Single Building Model embodies the full scope of design, engineering and production information across all disciplines. All changes are made to the Single Building Model, a consistent source for all input and output."

Offering unparalleled topological modelling capabilities for the creation of free-form solids and complex surfaces, Architecture for MicroStation TriForma provides architects with total design freedom to create and sculpture conceptual models of virtually any form. Unlike most architectural modellers, which use segments to emulate curved surfaces, Architecture for MicroStation TriForma produces true curved and double-curved surfaces resulting not only in smooth rendered images, but also in accurate quantities and production information.

Automated production drawing extraction

Virtually as a by-product of the 3D-design process, floor plans, sections and elevations as well as quantities, costs and specifications can be extracted directly from the Single Building Model. All are automatically updated with model changes; absolute coordination and synchronisation between design and production information is ensured. MicroStation TriForma users have experienced a compression of the construction documentation phase by up to half. This has allowed them to complete projects earlier or to spend more time in the design phase to increase design quality, factors that ultimately benefit their clients, the building owners and operators.

Integration with other Bentley applications

The value of engineering information increases significantly with the number of additional applications that create, analyse and manage that data. Recognising this, Bentley offers solutions for both engineering information creation and engineering information management. In keeping with Bentley's 'working together' philosophy, Architecture for MicroStation TriForma is fully integrated not only with other design and engineering applications, but also with applications for engineering document management and project collaboration, including Viecon and ProjectWise. The unique breadth and width of this product portfolio is the reason why Bentley solutions significantly increase enterprise-wide productivity.

Architecture for MicroStation TriForma adds discipline-specific functionality to MicroStation TriForma, Bentley's parametric Building and Plant Engineering Configuration. This provides a common technology platform and consistent user interface for increased functionality, such as object management, modelling and drafting, visualisation, and drawing and report extraction, in all TriForma-based applications, such as Structural for MicroStation TriForma, HVAC for MicroStation TriForma and Architecture for MicroStation TriForma.

Bentley Systems Africa

(011) 462 3546

tex.vandeventer@bentley.nl