Features Revit 2008 ArchiCAD 11 Bentley Microstation

Overview Revit is built upon the Modeling The Virtual Building™ works better with Bentley was designed on a code that strategy of full integration in one versions of other 2D for more allows easy access to older file formats place, allowing you to simply choose complex models. It enables control on of dgn and dwg, unlike the others. what portion of that information you the balance between 3D and 2D work wish to view. Construction documents and files can be It utilizes similar BIM features, capable derived without any additional software, of forming construction documents from Fully “parametric;” a single change sections and elevations update model. It does well on large, more updates all corresponding automatically as you work. complex projects with easier integration views/schedules within the model of other programs, like itself. Logical links between elements and RAM Steel for analysis and HVAC duct stories. sizing and runs interference checks with Element creation allows for custom out third party software via Navigator. job-specific or company wide Schedules and bills of materials always standards. reflect the current state of the building In our tests, the real differentiator is model; easily generated (Bi-lateral). when the project has many elements, it Massing allows for fast concept loads faster and is easier to use, (less building, convertible to working Interactive two-way communication boggy and uses less CPU resources) and drawings. between schedules and the model, allows is widely deployed on government changes to the model from the projects, for these reasons. Excellent One way extraction for estimates. Interactive Element Schedule. rendering engine.

“An Architect’s tool that allows easy “An architect’s tool, the most intuitive” “An Engineer’s ultimate model tool” extraction for building information” File extension *.rvt *.pln *.dgn

Import/Export Export/archive files in DXF/DWG IFC industry-wide information sharing Fully integrates numerous file types Capabilities (Autodesk product) commitment. Improved export/archive along with their .dgn . files in DXF/DWG. Able to save a Includes: DGN, DWG, DXF, PDF, project with libraries to one PLA file. STEP, IGES, STL, CEL, DGNLIB, S, H, Supports the following file formats: RDL(RAM), 3DS (Wire frame), OBJ, DGN (Bentley), DWG, DWF, DXF, ArchiCAD's DXF/DWG translator SKP () IFC, SAT, SKP (sketchup), AVI supports up to A utoCA D® 2007 and (video), ODBC, gbXML, BMP, JPG, accurately maps layers, pen colors, fonts Image types supported include: CAL, TGA, and TIF. and blocks. ArchiCAD can write out IMG (P/A), CIT, COT, RGB, RLE, JPG DXF/DWG data that contains both Paper In addition to transferring standard (JFIF), PCX, PCT, PNG, EPS, RS, TGA, Space and Model Space information in lines, arcs, and circles, Revit exports TIF, BMP, WPG. to 3DS, VIZ for photorealistic the same file. Additionally, ArchiCAD renderings imports and exports AutoCAD's vectorial DWF format and MicroStation's DGN. It has an internal rendering engine Produce concept massing studies by without the requirement of using 3DS or Importing from Form-Z, Rhino, ArchiCAD can also transfer complex 3D VIZ to do photorealistic rendering. Sketchup and AutoCAD, or other model geometry for use in programs A C IS® or NURBS (non uniform such as Artlantis R/Studio, Maxon Cinema, AutoCAD, Autodesk VIZ or You can Publish Bentley Architecture rational B-spline) based applications. models to the environment software, etc. similar to competitiors, perform screen Turn models into mass objects, then grabs of fly in video using snagit. select faces to design walls, roofs, Intergrates with SketchUp and Google floors, and curtain systems. You can Earth Connection, which can be used as even use tools to extract important add-ons to simple massing and contect information such as gross area per studies. Automatic imports into Google floor. 3D Warehouse, direct access thru appl.

Market Higher market integrity of the product Lower market integrity of the product Extremely versatile integrity between integrity (structural, MEP) (structural, MEP) disciplines and platforms. RAM integrated to provide total structural Higher probability to produce a Lower probability to produce a complete analysis. complete virtual building with BIM virtual building with BIM engineering -Bentley Architecture engineering documentation: documentaion: -Bentley Structural (RAM) - Revit Architecture - Virtual Building: ArchiCAD integrated -Bentley Building Electrical Systems - Revit MEP with MEP -Bentley Building Mechanical Systems - Revit Structure - Ductworks -Bentley Piping (AutoPIPE) This is a huge selling point. - Virtual Coordination: bi-directional Plus many other project engineering I/O capabilities via IFC or native file specific solutions. bi-directional I/O format, the architect and the structural capabilities via IFC or native file format, engineer can use the same model.Stress team can use the same model or analysis as well reflecting automatic specialized options for each engineering changes by the designer or other parties. discipline.

Interface/ Programmer like interface, eg. when Friendlier graphic interface and Technical interface, while user-friendly, Ease of use you want to change the parameters of properties accessibility. Flexibility still will require extensive training before a door or window poor graphics developed through over 20 years of advanced features can be fully architects' wishes and feedback understood.

2D Course, Medium, and Fine display Improved gradient fills, line work & fill Displays are colorful and representative Presentation options can vary the level of detail consolidation. It Efficiently handles the through the interface, can separate many over many views and is view-specific. process of cleaning up and fixing views of the model and is possible to Linework can be manually adjusted if drawings, including an optimization work in elevation/plan/section/etc. views desired, however all general process for 2D drawings from simultaneously. components of a drawing can be consultants. individually set and globally changed Creation of coordinated floor plans, based on “plotted” line weight and sections, and elevations. Automatic Refresh or non-refresh work in “displayed” line weight. coordination of architectural design and elevation/plan/section/etc. views “What you see is what you get” when construction documentation. simultaneously. you print 3D Able to raytrace and render on the fly, Improved internal renderer, improved Advanced and modeling. Presentation however best displayed when material selection as it is more mature. Support of 3D drawings within Adobe exported to Autodesk 3D Studio Max High quality must be exported to 3DS PDF. The best render images of the three and edited with additional software. and Maya without the use of other software. Engine faster kernel graphical engine, fasteer Slower graphical engine, eg. Slower Quick kernel graphic engine, able to shadow processing, lacks radiosity shadow casting and radiosity handle larger drawings with ease. Modelling Fully-parametric solid modeler, "in More modeling freedom. New double High-end integrated rendering and place families", can include geometry slanted walls, curved complex walls and animation tools, includes radiosity and from Revit or other solid modelers. highly accurate quantity takeoffs. particle tracing. Ability to import that which it cannot Organic forms can be modeled in be modeled in Revit, and turn it into a Maxxon Form - a separate modeler Export to STL to support rapid model Revit objects. The object can only be launched from ArchiCAD, and integrated making and prototyping with 3D edited outside of Revit, but the Revit directly into ArchiCAD through add-ons. printers, laser cutters, and stereo geometry behaves like a wall or roof This allows integrated organic modeling lithography machines. or whatever you assign it to be. similar to Catia. Ore popular in EU than Separate package needed to extract the US. Support of 3D Web formats, such as quantities. VRML, Quickvision, and panoramas. Enforcement of national project

standards. Automatice re-symbolization of 3D objects to 2D symbols. Material dependent hatching/patterning, annotation, and dimensioning

Libraries The Most catalogs of information by A strong base of objects, but less real Some companies provide Bentley library far. Autodesk marketing engine is market products in libraries than the items, but still somewhat limited to user- assisting and has more participation of competition. creation. building product manufacturers. Parametric Parametric Components, also known Objects are scale-sensitive, easily Parametric Cell Studio ( PC Studio ) is a Components as families, are the basis for all modified (text, dimension lines, etc.), modeling technology known as building components designed. They when the plan scale is changed. dimension-driven, feature-based, offer an open, graphical system for Changing the scale is as easy. Tools parametric modeling. It allows users to design thinking and form making as identify labels rooms, groups of rooms or define and create parameters, associative well as detailed design intent at any areas that you would like to manage building components and assemblies increasingly detailed levels. Use of and track. Walls are automatically such as doors, windows, stairs, casework, Parametric Components for the more identified as Zone boundaries, but roofs, trusses, curtain walls, handrails, elaborate assemblies, such as columns, slabs, beams, roofs, lines, arcs fixtures, equipment, and others. User- cabinetry and equipment, as well as and splines can also define the space. definable labels of objects and spaces. for the more elementary building Zone space automatically fits to slanted parts, such as walls and columns. No and profiled walls, and the 3D zone The DataGroup system , when placed special programming language or space can be involved in solid operations into the model, associates definable coding is required for manufacturers. for precise volume calculations. attributes with PC Studio components, Revit models can be scale sensitive if Creation of more complicated GDL and drives their parametric dimensions modeled in GDL (see below) or not Objects ( GDL=Geometric Description and variables, which allows unlimited (as with paper space). Language) requires knowledge of script. variations. Most of the dataset content Which scares away all but the brave. delivered (doors, windows, curtain walls, handrails, and so on) has been created with PC Studio. Material Material Takeoff tool checks material The Element ID manager can identify Room and component schedules, Takefoffs quantities in cost estimates, Takeoff and group elements according to a quantity and cost calculation, simplifies the tracking of material specified criteria, a great resource for specifications. quantities. As your project evolves, automatic labeling and schedules. A

the parametric change engine helps to database tracks area, volume, price, Compatibility with office automation ensure that the material takeoffs are QTY of pieces, automatic listing, take- tools for further processing and always up-to-date and accurate. offs and interactive schedules. formatting.

Workgroup Local file (on the workstation) and ArchiCAD TeamWork is a multi-user Can be run as a multi-user license from capability central file (on the server) concept. environment. ArchiCAD uses a local file Bentley’s server, or as standalone at the (on the workstation) and central file (on company’s office. Revit is multiuser, you can use linked the server) concept, which allows a better files just like in ACAD. The problem integration and analysis capabilities of Bentley Architecture tightly integrates with this is that Revit users aren't large projects. Module is also a very nice with Bentley ProjectWise, a comfortable with this idea because function for big projects. With modules it collaboration server that manages access they like to be able to edit these is possible to put one storey just as you to project information across a LAN, modules more readily. put one chair in plan (small file system WAN, VPN, or through the Internet, and with link function). Multistory publishes and synchronizes shared Revit does not have a special appl. to Hotlinked Modules easily allow to divide information, manages change, protects monitor interactions when users save multistory buildings into smaller parts. intellectual property rights, and more. changes to the central file; and when a Entire multistory buildings can be Share and synchronize project large number of changes happen, it hotlinked to site plan. information securely with project can struggle with reconciling the two partners. Projectwise costs additional, files. So having a large number of Only supervisors can edit modules, but allows Manage change effectively users working on a model can be making it easier to control. Protect your intellectual property problematic. Saves can be cumbersome when working with groups (8 minutes on average). There were also problems with server's that RAID hard drives causing corruption to the central file.

Interference Use interference checking to scan 3rd party tool Navis Works shows where Interference detection across multiple Check your model for collisions between the models "clash" with each other. files and disciplines in conjunction with elements. (Autodesk owns Different file formats can be imported Bentley Interference Manager: and integrates this) into Navis Works and reviewed as one Navigator, without 3 rd party software. model. Organization: No layers, all views are specific to the Clear Layer Control & Xref Layer Typical layer controls, with ability to task at hand, instead of layers Revit Separation. Better control and filter layers. Able to wrap dgn and dwg utilizes “visibility/graphics” which is management of Xref files and layer files that are compatable. a type of element-display option. easier layer navigation. Viewable items are sorted by type. Bidirectional Revit links to the ACAD File, all B-directional connections for working Work in plan, elevation, isometric, or Associativity model information is stored in one drawings but requires updating views as perspective view. Utilize the AccuDraw place (the model) and it exports to 2D you work on it (rebuild) which allows function to make clear and precise polar CAD. It is not bi-diredctional. Once control on what gets updated. ArchiCAD edits. Same toolset applies to both 2D

the model is updated, downstream the has both automatic and associative in and 3D plans. 2D changes can be tied to engineers working in a 2D CAD connection within the Building Model. update models in a bi-directional manner environment must adjust. It is This pertains to sections/elevations. suing a variety of 2D software by the therefore pertinent to decide how far Moving and resizing elements directly on various team members. Revit will go, before switching to 2D sections/elevations, and any changes are CAD for engineering. And once this reflected in the other views, including Views can be managed to display floors happens, Revit can be continually dimensioning. Interiors, exteriors or an or workspaces and also be filtered by used for adjusting background entire building can be dimensioned at level, symbology, attribute, selection set, changes or the switch can be made to once, in one step. Labels can attach text etc. 2D and process Construction drawings or symbols to easily identify parts of in a more traditional manner. This can your design. Automatic texts and smart cause additional effort downstream by detail and section markers are always up- engineers if numerous model changes to date across all the model views and are made. This is true for all modeling documentation layouts. Drawing programs. Revit does not integrate Markers provide navigation in project with RAM and STAD, like Bentley documents and more efficient reference does. mechanisms.

Item Schedules Schedules are just another view of the Interactive provides tools to provide Create coordinated construction Revit Architecture model. Work in quantities of individual elements & documents. Automatic schedule updates any appropriate view of the building, components by calculations, works well that are parametric similar to (Doors, including schedules. Functionality with complex projects. competition, but you can Capture the windows) includes associative split-schedule knowledge for reuse on subsequent sections and selectable design projects which is different.

elements via schedule views, formulas, and filtering. Detailing Take advantage of the extensive detail The Detail tool features directly links to Ability to utilize MicroStation for library and detailing tools provided dedicated workspaces with parametric custom user-made elements. with Revit Architecture. Presorted to detail markers that can meet the local

align with the CSI format, detail standards as well as your specified Software is more precise and more libraries can be tailored to documentation style. Details are also accurate than competition for large, accommodate your office standards. tightly integrated into the model, even by complex, projects. Create, manage, and share your own using multiple customizable markers detail library. linked to the same detail. Detailing in ArchiCAD is faster than with any AutoCAD, but lacks ties to manufacturers..

Review Autodesk 2D and 3D DWF Project review and organization are ProjectWise Navigator is used for Control Integration Supports complete round- managed in Project Navigator, which immersive project review and analysis to tripping of markups with Review enables faster navigation and better support design and construction software. It combines navigation and control over project documentation by management processes and to manage revision management capabilities, separating all new view types. assets in real time. tracking changes is easy. There’s no No open review tool such as Autodesk need to reenter information. It Design Review software. Allows for reviewing of 2D drawings supports publishing a model to 2D or and 3D models concurrently. Attach 3D DWF format. This capability PDF files as a reference to the model. provides high-impact, dynamic Follow links between data files and communication of design information components. Fly through very large in a lightweight format. It’s great for models interactively with ease. Examine including non-technical participants in design change using Design History the project review process. tools. Printing Sheet layout integrated, You can form Layout Book is based on the different Full scalability options, sheet layout Management sheets by “drag and drop” of views, views of the model. It is easy to create control, and exportation options via making it very easy as sheets view sets, and place them as drawings on Adobe PDF, etc. Ability to override automatically numerate. Title Bl,ocks layouts. This process can be automated, weight printing, borders, etc. and ability revision controls have user defined so that the final drawings are created as to print in color and batch print. Can editable blocks. Very user friendly the building is being modeled. Master print to dxf and most file formats. with print engines: auto generates dwf layouts allow to set size, orientation, Bentley does not support DWF format. (small), even 3D pdfs are grid, and automatic numbering system; surprisingly small as are dwf format. add parametric title blocks and autotexts Downstream users can edit easily and as well as any drawing elements. markup using dwf and adobe reader The Layout Book can also include viewers. Note both are free drawings hotlinked to external files - downloads. views from other Archicad projects, DWG files, dxf translator works well as well as PDF documents. Pen sets can be controlled with separate and flexible Pen Set control for each view. Smooth PDF creation process with PDF Net. Can produce DWF in latest version.

Sustainability See add on software by IES, numerous Energy analysis - new tools exist for Add on products under research and not vendors offer add on programs to be architects to deliver daylighting and determined a the time of this article. discussed next month. energy analysis services and designs. Bentley Mechanical does Thermal loss.

Digital Export the model to .dxf and then to Export the model to .dxf and then to Export to STL to support rapid model Manufacturing CAM software & to CNC (computer CAM software & to CNC (computer making and prototyping with 3D printers, laser cutters, and stereo lithography capability numerical control) table. numerical control) table. machines Hardware Sluggish on large projects/high Seems to run smoother with larger Much smoother with larger projects Requirements memory requirements projects (TeamWork) (Pentagon-Hansell) Support Far better support. There are just way Weaker representation/support “SELECT” subscribers receive great more Autodesk resellers, and that fact support, also online Live Chat and just makes it so much easier if you knowledgebase. need help.

Price: $4995 ArchiCAD 11 $4250 V8 TriForma $4,795 Subscription $ 695 Subscription $ 695 Architecture for Microstation $1,995

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