Generative Design

I am quite new to Generative design, I started exploring general principles only couple of weeks ago. You can find lot of descriptions “what is” generative design. At the moment I like most the one from Lars Hesellgren :

“Generative design is not about designing the building – Its’ about designing the system that builds a building.”

Scia Engineer model representations

One of the unique features of Scia Engineer is, that every project regardless license setup is able to handle more representations of the same model.  These model representations are are present as view parameter - they just represents different view on the same object. Based on that, one object can have more representations, and there are various types of them.

This is brief summary of all available options in current Scia Engineer 2010 version.

Cloud Computing – Documentation

Couple of days ago, Google released introducing video to new Google Docs. I found interesting not only functionality (0:38) and collaboration capabilities, but mostly the speed and response of the whole application, which runs remotely inside web-browser.

Scia Engineer and ArchiCAD

I used these storyboards to explain data exchange between architect and structural engineer. Building model was created in ArchiCAD, and from filtered view transferred to Scia Engineer using IFC file format.

From Structural model Analysis model was worked out and used to generate FEM model for analysis, design,checks and optimizations.

Cloud Computing and Chromium OS

Personally I am big fan of cloud applications delivery.It is the future of software industry. Pack zeros and ones into paper boxes and deliver it via mailbox sounds really archaic to me. From user point of view, I am tired of all the installations, updates, reinstallations, licensing setups, modules activations..and doing the same again and again because of new updates...

I just want to log in to my tool and use it. When I don’t need it, I don’t want to carry it on.

With respect to hardware virtualization, the performance factor can be very significant benefit for CAE analysis application. After couple of years using notebook for my work, I am considering to switch back to desktop, and keep my old notebook just for remote access using RDP.

Multitouch gestures

If your laptop is using older synaptics trackpad, then you should consider updating your drivers. Latest synaptics drivers enables basic multitouch support.

Source : Hardware Zone

Learning from the past

I am always interested in stories about how certain software changed in time. Sometimes it is edifying to see for how long certain product is around, sometimes it is amazing how the software can make it in such a short period of time.