upFront.eZine Issue #854
Guest editorial by John Callen
It is rare when two brand-new CAD programs launch in the same month, but here we are. These are the fresh faces of CAD. Both emerged after years of hush-hush development, and both benefit from some of the latest trends in programming and user interface design.
John Callen asks questions about the new CAD packages -- Renga Architecture and Onshape -- and how they can be relevant to the real world of construction and manufacturing. Mr Callen can ask this question, because he has 16 years experience in CAM [computer-aided manufacturing] software. He is a former product manager in the Manufacturing Engineering Group at Autodesk, and the former vp of marketing at Gibbs and Associates. Today, he is director of eTools marketing at Lutron Electronics.
This week, he asks about the new Renga architectural software from ASCON Group; next week, he takes on the new server-based Onshape MCAD software. We have responses to him from each software company, as well as what Ralph Grabowski thinks.
- - -
Part 1: Callen On Renga Architecture
Architectural systems are usually many instances of very few parts, while mechanical systems are usually few instances of many parts. I wonder what, if anything, Renga does to address this many-of-few aspect in its database. Claiming that their C3D geometry kernel is domain-independent is good for basic modeling, but what about data management of large models?
The "ASCON Group Launches Renga Architecture" article didn't say much about the BIM [building information modeling] interoperability aspect of Renga. Given the growing requirements for BIM by the construction and facilities management industries, this is becoming a more and more important consideration of AEC [architecture, engineering, construction] systems. Does ASCON Group have a position on this?
Though claiming that they've been available domestically [in Russia] for some time, the future functionality that they mentioned is really the playing field of mature systems. Do you feel users will see Renga as innovative enough to warrant waiting for key specialty functions, like structural and MEP [mechanical, electrical, plumbing]?
Finally, is there a way to migrate functions from their more mature KOMPAS-based AEC applications?
ASCON Group Responds
Geometric kernels (and it doesn't matter if it is C3D or not) have nothing to do at all with data management. But we have to deal with this issue in Renga, you are right. The problem exists, and we are ready to cope with it. For instance, we perform heavy-duty testing of scenarios on top of complex models.
As for BIM, we have a position that is rather clear. Renga is a fully BIM-compatible system. Its supporting tools are these:
- Object-oriented modeling in Renga, which means users operate in terms of walls, doors, beams, windows, and so on
- IFC [industry foundation classes] export/import and CSV [comma-separated values] export, both dealing with BIM objects
- Object-oriented API [application programming interface]
So Renga is indeed aligned with the BIM paradigm, you see.
As for add-ons like MEP, the feedback we have already received confirms it well enough. We are crossing our fingers and keep on working hard.
As for compatibility with KOMPAS-AEC, there are at least a couple of reasons why this kind of migration seems not feasible. First of all, both products have a totally different UX [user experience], growing from their very different design workflows. Secondly, the target audiences of Renga and KOMPAS-AEC differ a lot. So, we prefer to not mix the product lines (just as Autodesk didn't with ADT and Revit).
- Vladimir Zakharov, director of the AEC Division
ASCON Group, St Petersburg, Russia
What Ralph Grabowski Thinks
As a newly launched architectural modeler, Renga benefits from the latest in user interface and programming paradigms. This means it does a really good job at designing the walls, roofs, and their inserts (like windows) in 3D. But this also means it lacks the extensions needed to generate 2D drawings with sufficient details for constructing the buildings. In version 1, it has no way to do electrical, plumbing, HVAC [heating, ventilating, air conditioning], or site design. (I should note that Onshape also does not generate 2D drawings.)
What this means is that Renga is an exceptional conceptual modeler, one that could replace SketchUp with its many modeling failings. Renga has its own *.rnp proprietary file format, but also imports and exports these formats (some of these are yet to be implemented):
- .ifc import/export for BIM data exchange
- .csv export for data processing
- .dxf export for CAD drawing exchange
- .obj and .3ds export for rendering and animation
- .stl export for 3D printing
Until for the first add-ons become available next year, I recommend that ASCON Group markets Renga as "SketchUp for Architects."
PS: David Levin translated my interview from last week into Russian, publishing it at his isicad Web site. See http://isicad.ru/ru/articles.php?article_num=17638.
- - -
Next week: In part 2, John Callen takes on the new server-based Onshape MCAD software.
And One More Thing...
The National Institute of Building Sciences buildingSMART alliance this week rolls out version 3 of its National BIM Standard for the United States. It is said to cover the full life cycle of buildings, from planning and design through construction and operations. Full details to be posted on April 15 at http://www.nibs.org
Even More News
WorldCAD Access blogs nearly every day about the CAD industry, along with tips on using hardware and software. It is also available as a feed on RSS and through email alerts. The following articles appeared during the last week:
- Why you shouldn't believe analysts' predictions, evah
- Video tutorial: Customizing the Quad cursor in BricsCAD
On Twitter, @upfrontezine offers CAD news, late-breaking updates, and wry commentary throughout the day.
To donate to this newsletter's operation through PayPal, click http://www.upfrontezine.com and then choose the Donate $25 (personal) or Donate $500 (corporate) button.
Letters to the Editor
Great newsletter, I really appreciate your writing and the breadth of topics that you choose to cover.
- Jonathan Scott
Razorleaf Corporation
Notable Quotable
"Give consent to our cookie policy and we'll follow you around the Internet like a stalker until you give in and buy something from us."
- Management Speak, @managerspeak on Twitter
http://www.organise.co.uk/management-speak
* 8073
Comments