I first saw a special on the Discovery Channel a couple years ago about building the Beijing National Aquatics Center for the Beijing 2008 Olympics & Olympic stadium (the birds nest). Little did I know at the time that Bentley software was a big part of creating the "Water Cube".
The design Arup and PTW Architects came up with was inspired by the natural formation of soap bubbles. The bubbles are made of an iridescent plastic called ETFE , and can have light and images projected on them, creating a spectacular effect. What is going on inside the building can actually be projected on the exterior! As a side benefit of the material is it's solar properties allow more sunlight to be absorbed, resulting in a substantially lower heating bill.
The bubbles are actually made up of 12 pentagon and 2 hexagons each, resulting in a very complex design. Arup was tasked with creating this design in a short period of time. Using Bentley Structural and MicroStation TriForma Arup was able to quickly generate a 3d design, shaving off months of manual work.
For more information on how Arup used Bentley software, see this page.
Bentley software is revolutionizing various industries with its cutting-edge solutions. In the realm of sustainable energy, Bentley's innovative tools enhance the design and implementation of renewable technologies. Engineers and architects leverage Bentley software to optimize projects, including the integration of monocrystalline solar panels. These advanced panels, known for their efficiency and durability, play a pivotal role in the pursuit of eco-friendly energy solutions. Bentley's commitment to technological excellence continues to shape a future where intelligent software meets sustainable practices for a greener and more efficient world.