Bentley's TriForma and MicroStation Software has enabled Dimension Modeling, the South African-based 3D modelling company (focusing on the architectural, engineering and construction industries), to create the award winning 3D models of the Glenn Beach Villas, in Cape Town.

Dimension Modeling's business focus lies on creating realistic visualisation and easy interpretation of a project through 3 dimensional modelling and the digital publishing and distribution of the 3D models. Images and animations created from the model are transformed to websites and multimedia CD-ROMs to aid Dimension Modeling clients in marketing and managing their project to its fullest potential. This process aids Dimension Modeling's clients in making fundamental decisions and in choosing various design options.

The solution

Dimension Modeling received hand-drawn plans for the Glenn Beach Villas, from which the 3D model was created in daily consultation with the project architect. Various existing sites were visited and finishes (including tiles, wood etc) on these sites were photographed for use in the 3D model of the Glenn Beach Villas. The entire 3D model was constructed from existing photographic material, including photographs from the site earmarked for the development of the villas themselves. This resulted in an exact, virtual model of the villas, depicting the interior as well as the exterior of the project in detail.

The building contractor for the Glenn Beach Villas required Dimension Modeling to create the marketing material that would enable the sale of the Glenn Beach Villas before they were constructed. Dimension Modeling created a CD ROM and web-based presentation with interactive interior and exterior views, developed using TriForma and MicroStation software.

The particle tracing abilities offered by Bentley's software gave the company the ability to map staff lighting and specific data, creating a highly realistic rendering of the model. This is in contrast to conventional ray tracing rendering methods, where light effects have to be simulated on the computer, and where three or four light sources need to be created. Particle tracing is distinct to ray tracing in that falling light actually reflects off the surface and replicates the characteristics and movements of light in real life.

Dimension Modeling chose to use the Bentley suite of products in the 3D modelling process for two primary reasons:

* MicroStation allows for accurate lighting and particle tracing abilities in the rendering process.

* MicroStation and TriForma allow Dimension Modeling to build comprehensive back end detail into their 3D model. Clickable sections in the model allow the user to view cross sections of a wall, for instance. In addition, the user can view how much concrete will be needed to build the wall. Using MicroStation in the rendering process allows Dimension Modeling to provide substantive depth of information, integrated into the model itself.

Bentley Systems South Africa

011 462 5811