Today Trelligence released Affinity for ArchiCAD, a software solution that connects architectural project programming and schematic design to building information modeling (BIM) using Graphisoft ArchiCAD.
As described in a 2004 AECnews article, (“Trelligence Applies Functional Knowledge Engine”), Trelligence Affinity combines project specs with customer desire and domain knowledge to produce a project model. That model can then be used to validate design, check code compliance, and apply best practices. “We are automating the framework of constraints in design,” Trelligence CEO Larry Ciscon told AECnews. “The data model acts as the plan definition, guiding all downstream work. Our goal is to create a production model for a one-off process.”
Once the design team selects a plan, the Affinity for ArchiCAD user can import the schematic directly into ArchiCAD to develop detailed designs and construction documents. The data path is bi-directional, allowing the Affinity for ArchiCAD user to continue to track the detailed design against the initial requirements, or update requirements in ArchiCAD with Affinity.
“As an architecture, engineering and planning firm committed to BIM, we also believe that the program model offered by Trelligence Affinity will vastly improve our efficiencies for clients," said Ben Ferrer, Manager of BIM Operations at CUH2A, Inc., in a statement released by the two companies. "I'm impressed with the way Affinity captures program requirements based on intelligent building blocks and I like its ability to assist us in analyzing multiple master plan scenarios.
With the Affinity for ArchiCAD plug-in, we can quickly and accurately move the selected plan into the design phase and continue to track whether the design meets our client's requirements. Affinity delivers a huge advantage to all the stakeholders."
Affinity for ArchiCAD is available as both a stand-alone Windows-based tool and as an integrated plug-in to ArchiCAD.
"Users of Affinity for Archicad will see productivity gains and a much smoother flow between the programming and design processes," explained Larry Ciscon, President of Trelligence, in the announcement. "The response from our beta users and resellers has been extremely positive. We are currently working with large and small firms as well as programming offices in large institutions, all of which are excited about fast forwarding the BIM opportunities."
--RSN
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