Distinguished Speakers to Provide Insights on Advanced Computational Design at SmartGeometry 2012 Conference

Being Held March 23-24 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, U.S.A.;
Registration Now Open at  www.SmartGeometryConference.com/2012

Bentley Systems, Incorporated, today announced that registration is now open for the SmartGeometry 2012 Conference. This widely acclaimed conference is the world’s premier event focused on computational and parametric design tools, technologies, and methodologies that allow and encourage new forms of architectural and structural expression. The conference takes place March 23-24, 2012, at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), in Troy, New York, and carries the theme “Material Intensities – Simulation, Energy, Environment.” Among this year’s many distinguished speakers providing insights on advanced 3D design are Enric Ruiz-Geli, director, Cloud 9 Studio; Robert Hull, Department of Material Science and Engineering, RPI; Manfred Grohmann, Bollinger+Grohmann Engineering; Perry Hall, visual artist and musician; and Evan Douglis, dean of the School of Architecture, RPI. For additional information about the conference and to register, visitwww.SmartGeometryConference.com/2012.

The SmartGeometry 2012 Conference includes:

• “Talkshop” Day, March 23 – Through a series of panel discussions, this interactive first day provides an opportunity to share with tutors and participants critical reflection on the advanced design work of the previous four days during the SmartGeometry 2012 Workshop companion event. The hands-on workshop is being held March 19-22, 2012, at the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center at RPI and is being hosted by RPI. It enables architectural and engineering professionals, academics, and students to explore this year’s challenge, “Material Intensities.” The challenge recognizes that the built environment comprises spaces and boundaries abundant with vibration, fluctuating intensities, shifting radiants, and flows, rather than inert constructions enclosing physically sealed spaces. It invites workshop participants to realize digital design prototypes infused with material behavior employing GenerativeComponents – Bentley’s generative design software.
• “Symposium” Day, March 24 – Day two includes insightful presentations by renowned experts on the theory and practice of computational and parametric design approaches. Annually, this is regarded as the world’s premier symposium on the interaction of new technologies, methodologies, and principles with design practice. The speakers will showcase major projects that explore the range of ways in which material informs design.
• Reception, March 24 – The conference ends with a social gathering celebrating the innovation, creativity, and leadership of the generative design community. It also provides an opportunity to view the work developed during the four-day workshop.

Commenting on this year’s conference agenda, SmartGeometry Director Xavier De Kestelier said, “The yearly SmartGeometry event combines an active workshop environment with two days of dynamic presentations and debates on how computational design impacts the built world.  Every year SmartGeometry evolves by setting ourselves a new challenge; this year’s challenge, entitled Material Intensities, strives to energize our digital prototypes and infuse them with material behavior through simulation and a focus on energy and environment. By combining the worlds of practice, industry, and academia, all engaged in active design and research, SmartGeometry events continue to push the boundaries of design and computation through leading-edge developments and discussion.”

For additional information about, or to register for, the SmartGeometry 2012 Conference, visitwww.SmartGeometryConference.com/2012.

About the SmartGeometry Group

SmartGeometry is run entirely by passionate volunteers who balance their professional careers (which often put them in competition with each other) with their investment of time and energy in the wider community. The magic of SmartGeometry lies in its curious mix of community and competition, which conspires to inspire and provoke. The excitement of each SmartGeometry event is the anticipation of the unknown and the creative mix and intensity of ideas. Each year generates heightened expectations that inevitably challenge current design methodologies. The directors of the SmartGeometry Group include Shane Burger, director of Design Technology, Woods Bagot; Xavier De Kestelier, associate partner, Foster+Partners; Lars Hesselgren, PLP/Architecture; Hugh Whitehead, Foster + Partners; and J Parrish, AECOM. For additional information, visit www.SmartGeometry.org.

About GenerativeComponents

GenerativeComponents (GC) enables architects and engineers to pursue designs and achieve results that were virtually unthinkable before. Empowered by computational methods, the designers can direct their creativity to deliver inspired, sustainable, better-performing buildings that are freer in form and use innovative materials and assemblies. GenerativeComponents facilitates this by allowing the quick exploration of a broad range of “what-if” alternatives for design components ranging from conventional building elements such as curtain walls, paneling, and stairs to overall building configurations and form for even the most complex buildings.

Among the leading architects and engineers around the world already taking advantage of this unique generative design software are Arup, BDP, Buro Happold, Foster + Partners, Grimshaw Architects, Henning Larsen Architects, HOK, KPF, Lem3a, Morphosis, PLP/Architecture, Populous, SHoP Architects, Snøhetta, Stantec, UNStudio, and Zaha Hadid Architects. GenerativeComponents is available for download at no cost at www.bentley.com/gc.