Generative Design LaunchesYears Later

Bentley Systems is finally letting the public try out the "generative design" its been touting at conferences for... lemme see: Well, there was the BE conference in Atlantic City in 2002. Generative design is Bentley's term for designs defined by formulas. The idea is that architects can create buildings that look much wilder than usually possible with StraightlaceCAD.

Anyhow, as of November 16, 90-day no-charge subscriptions to GenerativeComponents become available at www.be.org/gd. After that, it'll cost you $250 a year. (This technology is already available to those who pay Bentley for an annual Select subscription.)

Led by Robert Aish, the Bentley development team is splitting off as the independent SmartGeometry Group.

Update

While the SmartGeometry Group is independent of Bentley, it has a working relationship with the CAD company. According to a member of the group, "how that relationship evolves over time is still an evolving decision. But the main thing is that Generative Components remain a Bentley product which is now in widespread use."

Also, Robert Aish now works for Autodesk, so perhaps the company will expand their existing ARX-smart geometry to become formula-driven.

Comments

[Lars Hesselgren]

Ralph,

As one of the SmartGeometry Directors I don't quite understand you last sentence that 'the Bentley development team is splitting off as an independent SmartGeoemtry Group'. This is actually exactly the opposite of the truth, Bentley development team (without Robert Aish) remains intact at Bentley.

At the moment Robert Aish is 'resting' from the SmartGeometry group which is actively pursuing its relationship with Bentley, see www.smartgeometry2008.com for details of the forthcoming event.

Time alone will tell where the SG Group goes eventually.

[Huw Roberts]

Hi Ralph,
Lars is correct: GenerativeComponents is a Bentley product that has enjoyed a unique relationship with a vibrant group of users while in the R&D phase. The fact that Bentley conducted much of that R&D in public view, and the amazing work being done by it's users during that time are perhaps reasons you and so many others have been hearing and writing about it all along. GenerativeComponents has now completed the transition to a commercial product, and we're happy to share that news and the opportunity to benefit from it in practice with a wider audience.

See the details at:
http://www.bentley.com/en-US/Corporate/News/Quarter+4/Generative+Design.htm