Intuitive Design Modeling in V8i
With V8i's intuitive design modeling tools, project teams can easily take designs from concept to completion in the same software environment.
- Conceptual design tools make it easier to intuitively sculpt solids and surfaces.
- GenerativeComponents makes it easy to iterate through design alternatives.
- 3D printing support converts complex models to printable 3D form with ease.
Together, these design modeling tools help teams
- Increase design productivity.
- Improve information quality.
- Reduce project rework.
Working in the same software environment means
- Fewer information-translation obstacles.
- Seamless transition from design modeling to visualization.
- More time to spend creating designs rather than reworking them.
From a User's Perspective
"The ability to create 3D model forms in V8i during very early design phases using basic solid entities, and then tune them using the 'modify solid entity' tool, is a great step ahead. Using this and other tools in 3D is quite easy and intuitive with V8i. You can push and pull faces, divide them into smaller parts by adding new edges using the “draw on solid” tool, and manipulate edges and even individual vertices.
This way, a user can easily identify design problems from various points of view in very early stages and can adjust the model accordingly. Of course, all of these tools can be used with dynamic vews, to create presentations that incorporate plans, sections, elevations and more from the existing 3D model.
The important part of conceptual modeling in V8i is also the presentation of the 3D model, especially in the early stages. I use the 'illustration mode' and 'illustration with shadows,' and these provide very nice visual feedback to the client or co‐workers. As usual, in MicroStation V8i, the new display styles are fully customizable and allow a user to 'tune' them.
I also really like the tools that manipulate mesh elements. The most important thing in the 360 design is the new automated coordinate system, or ACS, which allows a user to use a different ACS in different views. This is very useful, especially in non‐orthogonal models.
I would also like to point out the enhancements for working with reference files in V8i. The ability to activate a reference file, edit it, and then deactivate to get back to an active file is a great time saver. I use it almost daily.
Last but not least, I like the ability to import .3dm, .skp, .obj, and .3ds files."
- Peter Tezga, architect, REPREX, Slovakia, offering design‐build services for industrial, commercial and office buildings