GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM BILBAO
CATIA Computer Program

FOGA uses CATIA, a 3-dimensional computer modeling program originally designed for the aerospace industry. This program is supplemented by more traditional 2-dimensional CAD programs.

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CATIA
Step by step

 

 
  STEP 1.
DIGITIZING THE PHYSICAL MODEL
This step produces a series of points on the computer screen, which together create a shape which roughly resembles the shape of the physical model. The points are then manipulated, cleaned up and smoothed out.
  STEP 2.
SURFACE MODEL
Basically the outline of the physical model.
  STEP 3.
SHADED SURFACE MODEL
Basically the outline of the physical model. The lines represent the cladding pattern of the titanium panels.
 

Step 4.
PRIMARY STRUCTURE
This step involves creating the primary structure of the building. For Bilbao this step represents a sort of map of the steel skeleton of the building.
  Step 5.
SECONDARY STRUCTURE
The secondary structure will vary from project to project. In the case of Bilbao, it is part of the structure which supports the galvanized steel under-layer of the cladding system.
 

STEP 5.1.
CURVATURE ANALYSIS
The curvature analysis is about budget. It is done to determine whether or not the metal panels will naturally adhere to a certain curve, or whether they would need to be pressed to adhere to a certain curve. Pressed metal panels are more expensive.
This analysis may be conducted at several stages, or may not be conducted at all.
  STEP 6.
SHOP DRAWING
This is the stage at which the CATIA computer model is used to generate the steel shop drawings.
  STEP 7.
THE FINISHED BUILDING

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