What are the differences between Microstation, AECOsim and Bently Architecture? They all seem to work similar so why should I prefer one from the other?

Hi nadir pamuk,

two notes at first:

• There is no one product named AECOsim, because it's the group of product. What you probably ask about is AECOsim Building Designer (shorten often to ABD).
• These three products offer different set of features, not similar, so to understand the differences is important.

To simplify your question: AEOCsim Building Designer is a successor of Bentley Architecture, so it's about to choose between two products only.

MicroStation is general 2D/3D CAD product, AECOsim Building Designer is complex solution providing tools for architectural, HVAC and other disciplines.

I know architects using plain MIcroStation and they are happy with available features, but there are some features unique to ABD, based on the fact it's BIM solution (but MicroStation is general). Moreover, Generative Components extension is delivered as "companion product" to AECOsim Building Designer. On the other hand MicroStation is much simpler, while to work with ABD requires more complex settings.

Because I am not ABD user, but developer, I hope other user will add own experiences and revaluations.

With regards,

  Jan

Thanks, Jan,

Your answer was straight to the point and it helped a lot! I am glad you could understand the question despite my poor explanation. 

Best Regards,

Nadir Pamuk

Depends on how you want to work:

• AECOsim Building designer = BIM = use 3D modelling to generate output (2D plan/elevation/section views and quantities/...);
• Microstation = draw 2D plans and occasionally build a 3D model just for visualisation.

You can compare the difference as Revit vs. Autocad.

If you are doing Architecture, then you should go with AECOsim purely because it is designed for construction projects, and it can also be run  in a Microstation mode if you wish, so you don't have to choose. For Architecture you will want to explore and use the features of AECOsim Building Designer as 3d Virtual Design & Construction/BIM will soon become the standard for most architecural projects, if it hasn't already on large projects.

If you are doing Architecture, then you should go with AECOsim purely because it is designed for construction projects, and it can also be run  in a Microstation mode if you wish, so you don't have to choose. For Architecture you will want to explore and use the features of AECOsim Building Designer as 3d Virtual Design & Construction/BIM will soon become the standard for most architecural projects, if it hasn't already on large projects.