Conceptual Design is the first phase of design, in which drawings are the dominant tools and ultimate product. Usually, drawings in this phase are composed of simple, single-line floor plans, building sections, elevations, site plans as well as (presentation) layout designs. Using the new 3D solid modeling tools in MicroStation V8 XM makes it possible to generate conceptual and proposal models quickly and effectively.
These tools are located on the 3D Modify Toolbar under Tools > 3D Main > 3D Modify.
Tools from right to left: Draw on Solid, Modify Solid Entity, Delete Solid Entity
Draw on Solid tool settings
This tool is used to create faces and edges on a solid.
In the Draw Line mode, this tool is good for drawing single edges across a solid face or for dividing the face of a solid. The Draw Block and Draw Circle modes are used for placing closed elements, which later can be pulled out using Modify Solid Entity tool, on a face. The Imprint Curves tool is useful if you have an existing profile you want “imprint” on a face of a solid. It does not have to be a curve!
Note: All created faces must be closed. All lines must end at an edge. Line ends cannot “float” inside a solid face.
Draw on Solid Tool settings
This tool is used to modify faces, edges, or vertices of a solid.
Combine Modify Solid Entity with the Draw on Solid tool and you can perform simple “push/pull” modeling. Using the various modes, you can modify faces, edges, and vertices of the solid. After drawing on the solid with a shape, use Modify Solid Entity in Face mode to pull and push the new faces. You can use this technique to create door or window opens in buildings, for example.
This tool is used to delete faces, edges, or vertexes on a solid.
Examples of conceptual design using new and redesigned 3D modeling tools
Example of conceptual building design
Quick roof units - These were created quickly by using the Draw on Solid tool (to locate the units) and then the Modify Solid tool (set to Face mode) to pull up the unit.
Easy Windows - These were done basically the same as the roof units by placing the profiles of the windows using Draw on Solid, then pushing in the window face using the Modify Solid tool.
Fast Balconies - These took a little longer to create since they were a bit more complicated. The Cut Solid tool was used make the aesthetic openings in the balcony walls.
Simple cars - This car is about as basic as you can get. Since they are small at normal zoom levels, a lot of detail isn’t necessary. Just place a slab, then use Modify Solid (set to Edge) to slope the front and back of the car.