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GenerativeComponents

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GenerativeComponents

GenerativeComponents is parametric CAD software developed by Bentley Systems, was first introduced in 2003, became increasingly used in practice (especially by the London architectural community) by early 2005[1], and was commercially released[2] in November 2007. GenerativeComponents has a strong traditional base of users in academia and at technologically advanced design firms[3]. It epitomizes the quest to bring parametric modeling capabilities of 3D solid modeling into architectural design, seeking to provide greater fluidity and fluency than mechanical 3D solid modeling[4].

Users can interact with the software by either dynamically modeling and directly manipulating geometry, or by applying rules and capturing relationships among model elements, or by defining complex forms and systems through concisely expressed algorithms. The software supports many industry standard file input and outputs including DGN by Bentley Systems, DWG, by Autodesk , STL (Stereo Lithography), Rhino, and others. The software can also integrate with Building Information Modeling systems.

The software has a published API and uses a simple scripting language[5], both allowing the integration with many different software tools, and the creation of custom programs by users.

This software is primarily used by architects and engineers in the design of buildings, but has also been used to model natural and biological structures and mathematical systems.

Generative Components currently runs exclusively on Microsoft Windows operating systems, and in English.

GenerativeComponents is often refered to by the nickname of 'GC'.

SmartGeometry Group

The SmartGeometry Group[6] is a non-profit community dedicated to the advancement of advanced 3D CAD and methodologies in building design. The group is led by Lars Hesselgren of Kohn Peterson Fox, Hugh Whitehead of Foster + Partners and J Parrish of Arup Sport.

This group has been instrumental in the formation of GenerativeComponents and served as the beta community prior to release, and a strong user community after release. SmartGeometry hosts annual workshops and conferences on the use of advanced modeling tools and approaches, and new design methodologies in architecture.

GenerativeComponents is unique in that it was brought to market differently than other software products by utilizing a multi-year 'beta' cylce with a dedicated user community in the SmartGeometry group. This community were responsible for shaping the product very early on in its life, and have continued to shape and define it. The SmartGeometry Group, a non-Bentley group of users, was formed to continue research and create architectural design with GC[7].

References

  1. ^ AEC Magazine January 2005
  2. ^ Generative Components Commercial release notice
  3. ^ Architectural Record online, March 2008
  4. ^ AEC Weekly news magazine
  5. ^ Sample GenerativeComponents script from Ball State University
  6. ^ SmartGeometry Group
  7. ^ AEC Weekly news magazine

See also

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