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Bricsnet provides applications and services designed to help users achieve project cost savings, compress schedules, and build stronger relationships with customers, business partners, and suppliers.

The software developer's strategy is to create seamless integration of a historically fragmented process, with the expectation that the world's second largest economy—the building industry—will someday be the world's most efficient.

Testing a 3D Modeler

Currently the STAR Team uses two Bricsnet products: Architecturals and ProjectCenter. Callison's Michael Medina, AIA, indicated that the STAR Team is currently using the Bricsnet tool set on two projects.

A pilot project is helping them test their process to more completely identify their value proposition. They are using the generic building from the RSMeans estimating guide, "Project Scheduling and Management for Construction," by David R. Pierce, Jr., which has all the basic building components of a real project along with quantity and cost data. The team will be able to check the validity of the data they create within the 3D model.

In addition, the STAR Team has just begun work on a real project with an as-yet unidentified client.

Working with 3D Objects

Bricsnet Architecturals enables users to perform advanced 3D modeling, while maintaining full compatibility with 2D environments. Complex 3D buildings and structures are created simply by placing "forms" that represent architectural entities.

Making changes to the model is easy because all relationships between walls, windows, slabs, roofs, and openings are automatically maintained. Scale-dependent 2D drawings, quantities, and cost estimates are automatically updated after a change.

Bricsnet Architecturals, which the STAR Team runs on top of AutoCAD, is based on industry standards including XML. It offers native support for DWG and enables customization and integration with other systems using Microsoft COM and Visual Basic for Applications.

Bricsnet ProjectCenter is an extranet collaboration tool that enables remote teams in the building industry to exchange mission-critical data easily. Every member of the project team can collaborate online without the burden of investing in new software or extensive training.

Explaining the Choices

Matt Laase, AIA, of Callison, is also a partner in the STAR Team. Laase cited three advantages of Bricsnet Architecturals over the other products reviewed.

First, it combines the design of the building, in 3D, with the production tools necessary to get the building built. You can produce a package that both the client can visualize and the design team can deliver for construction.

Second, Bricsnet Architecturals incorporates cost and quantity factors that builders can use in the construction and procurement of materials.

A third advantage of the system is that the facility owner or manager can use its 3D features to better market and visualize future additions or to upgrade services for tenants.

The STAR Team sees Bricsnet as a natural fit to achieve its mission. They believe the vision of intelligent drawing objects and sharing data through the project life cycle will take their project teams to the next level of efficiency. From design through construction and into facilities management, they expect to set a new standard for the construction industry.

They are working with the developers of Bricsnet to develop a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing package, and the alliance is working with its structural team to increase the value for that discipline as well.

Explaining Parametrics

A major strength of Bricsnet Architecturals is its parametric 3D modeling capability. Design alternatives can be created quickly by using mathematical expressions with variables and operators.

For example, the vertical position of a window can be indicated parametrically by "height/x-y." If this were specified as "height/2-20," it would indicate that the window is always positioned below the middle of the wall (2) a distance of (20) units.

All building elements such as walls, slabs, roofs, doors, and windows remain logically connected after making a change to the model. This allows the user to quickly change a design without needing to manually update related parts of the model.

Bricsnet's initial architectural modeling software product was developed for IBM UNIX in 1986. The second generation was developed on MicroStation from Bentley Systems and became the foundation for MicroStation TriForma.

Bricsnet Architecturals 2.0 is based on the original concepts but has been re-engineered to take advantage of modern parametric and object technologies. Its open environment enables it to run on AutoCAD R14, 2000, and 2000I, as well as IntelliCAD. The only difference is the functionality of the underlying platform.

All projects, attributes, models, custom objects, and drawings are compatible, so users can work on AutoCAD and IntelliCAD in a mixed environment. The materials, styles, and other settings can be specified at the project level and thus can be shared by all members of a design team. This enables users to make changes in all files of a project simultaneously and facilitates the process of archiving and transferring project information.

Other Advantages

In response to a query about the advantages of using Bricsnet, Ray said, "The advantages are tremendous to the contractor, but ultimately the value is to our owners and clients. The initial payoff is visualization of the facility for the client.

"Along with visualization in the model, comes conflict resolution and coordination between trades. Any problems can be resolved in the model instead of in the field with change orders and RFIs. The long-term benefits include online procurement and a virtual 3D model for facility management use."

The competitive pricing of Bricsnet Architecturals was also a consideration of the STAR Team in making its selection. Architecturals is available for immediate download at the Bricsnet.com e-store and can be ordered on CD.

The annual subscription fee of $395 includes online updates, upgrades, free Web-based interactive training, and basic online technical support. A permanent license is available for $995. Users who do not have AutoCAD can purchase Bricsnet Architecturals for IntelliCAD, which includes Bricsnet IntelliCAD 2000. Special pricing for students and schools is available.

In its family of products for the building industry, the company provides a Web site, Bricsnet.com. Launched in December, 1999, the site currently hosts more than 400,000 visitors each month world wide.

This work-centric portal integrates tools and services that are needed by building professionals to design a building, manage a geographically dispersed project team, bid on and procure building materials and services, access building product specifications from manufacturers worldwide, manage completed facilities, and exchange news and information.

In today's global workplace, it is not insignificant to note that Bricsnet is a global company. Its products were developed by an international team of professionals, and the company has offices in North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Far East. Bricsnet maintains corporate headquarters in Wakefield, MA, and Gent, Belgium.

With such a comprehensive approach to providing for the building industry, it is easy to understand why Bricsnet Architecturals won an AEC Show Stopper award this year, and why the STAR Team has selected the product to accomplish its mission.

Elizabeth Bollinger is Professor of Architecture at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture, University of Houston, in Houston, Texas.

A sectional perspective of the prototype model shows mechanical and architectural components. Image: STAR Team A plan view and shaded rendering of the first floor mechanical, electrical, and architectural components. It was modeled and rendered in Bricsnet. Image: STAR Team Bricsnet's Style Editor. Image: STAR Team A plan and axonometric wire-frame view of the prototype model's entire architectural component and piping system. Image: STAR Team Bricsnet's Drawing Definitions Image: STAR Team Design study for a French exhibit hall. Image: Bricsnet Design study for a German apartment building. Image: Bricsnet Design study for a German apartment building. Image: Bricsnet   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.