OpenBuildings Designer

OpenBuildings Designer
Onboarding Guide

Bentley Building

OpenBuildings Designer

10/1/20

Version 1

OpenBuildings Designer

Table of ContentsContents
1.

About OpenBuildings Designer ................................................................................................................................ 2
1.1

2.

Building Products Offering ....................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1

3.

5.

4.1

Welcome to OpenBuildings Designer ............................................................................................................... 7

4.2

Architectural Track ........................................................................................................................................... 7

4.3

Structural Track ................................................................................................................................................ 8

4.4

Mechanical Track ............................................................................................................................................. 8

4.5

Electrical Track ................................................................................................................................................. 8

OpenBuildings – Energy Simulator .......................................................................................................................... 9

Welcome to OpenBuildings GenerativeComponents ...................................................................................... 10

OpenBuildings - Legion .......................................................................................................................................... 11
7.1

8.

Welcome to OpenBuildings Energy Simulator................................................................................................... 9OpenBuildings - GenerativeComponents ............................................................................................................... 10
6.1

7.

Introduction to MicroStation CONNECT Edition ................................................................................................ 6

OpenBuildings Designer ........................................................................................................................................... 7

5.1
6.

Building Products Offering................................................................................................................................ 5

MicroStation for Building Designers ......................................................................................................................... 6
3.1

4.

System Requirements for OpenBuildings Designer ........................................................................................... 4

Welcome to Open Buildings - Legion .............................................................................................................. 11

Online Resources for OpenBuildings Designer........................................................................................................ 12OpenBuildings Designer

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OpenBuildings Designer

1.

About OpenBuildings Designer

OpenBuildings Designer is a multidiscipline building design application that enables BIM workflows to provide
information-rich models for the design, analysis, simulation, and documentation of buildings. It incorporates
OpenBuildings Designer computational design and energy services for building performance evaluation.
OpenBuildings Designer immerses you in a 3D modeling environment and provides site content by referencing
reality models. The application shares a catalog of design components across the project team. Built-in clash
detection allows designers to coordinate building systems.
The federated data approach to modeling and drawing management allows users to work on any size models
simultaneously across distributed geographies. Using OpenBuildings Designer you can:All Disciplines••••••••••••Start designing in 3D to explore ideas with free-form modeling
Design in context with referenced reality models and point clouds
Perform in-product clash detection
Produce lifelike renderings and movies
Apply company and project standards to models and drawings
Exchange data in common formats (i.e. IFC, COBie, RealDWG™, Revit Family RFA, and Sketchup SKP)
Incorporate project documents, media, web links, and more with hypermodeling
Easily manage data with bidirectional editing in Microsoft Excel
Share project information with iModels
Enforce production standards within a ProjectWise managed environment
Accelerate skillset with access to personalized learning
Automate coordinated drawings by controlling drafting styles and annotations

Architectural••••••Accelerate design with a catalog of walls, doors, windows, and furnitureManage floor definitions for reference planes and floor groups
Define custom grid systems
Manage spaces to ensure compliance with owner’s requirements
Model custom design stairs and handrails
Interactively design configurations of curtain walls

Structural••••••

Model steel, concrete, and timber structures
Model steel trusses, bar joists, handrail, and ladder assemblies
Reference a comprehensive library of international steel and concrete shapes
Produce quantity reports and volume and weight analyses
Share structural models and analysis using Bentley’s Integrated Structural Modeling (ISM) technology
Exchange data with detailing applications using industry standards (i.e. CIS/2, and SDNF)

MEP••••••

Parametrically model HVAC, piping, and plumbing systems
Define components, paths, and angles to be modeled automatically when completing connections in HVAC andpiping systems
Dynamically route pipe systems with slope applied or apply as a post process
Create and configure air handling units using standard modules
Size ductwork based on air flow, velocity, and friction rate
Export designs to Trimble’s FabShop for fabrication
OpenBuildings Designer2••••••

OpenBuildings Designer

Streamline lighting design using smart symbol arrangement tools that are aligned with ceiling grid and wallmounted components
Design electrical circuits and associate with lighting, power, or fire protection panels
Automatically label components using user-definable labeling formats for switch designation, circuit numbers, anddevice IDs
Model cable trays, baskets, conduits, and wireways
Evaluate lighting level with a bidirectional interface with Relux & DIALux for lighting analysis
Produce drawings and block diagrams, lighting, cable, and panel schedules based on user-definable templates

Computational Design••••••

Define objects, assembly relationships, and dimensional constraints to capture design intent to explore a broad
range of what-if scenarios
Use visual programming techniques to create design solutions, manage dependencies, and orchestrate behaviors
between design objects
Use mathematical statements to control geometry and define dependencies between design objects
Create reusable geometric assemblies extending the range of geometry with embedded intelligent behaviors
Define input controls (i.e. sliders and law curves) to dynamically manipulate design components and propagatechange within the design
Play forward and reverse incrementally the design script to visualize the design intent and behaviors of design
relationships

Energy Simulation••••••

Perform whole building energy analysis with analytical space models and conceptual mass models using industrystandard EnergyPlus
Calculate design and satisfy building regulation requirements using industry-standard building load calculations (i.e.
CIBSE Maxi Gain)
Reference a catalog of predefined standard HVAC system templates
Calculate daylight factors using industry-standard Radiance engine
Model surrounding buildings to simulate the effect of their shade on the design
Create reports and charts for all aspects of building simulation including heating and cooling loads, LEED
compliance, annual energy use, equipment sizing requirements, and CO2 emissions

OpenBuildings Designer

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OpenBuildings Designer

1.1

System Requirements for OpenBuildings Designer
Windows 10 (64-bit)

Operating System

Windows 8 and 8.1 (64-bit)
Windows 7 (64-bit)

Processor

Intel® or AMD® processor 1.0 GHz or greater. OpenBuildings Designer is not supported on a
CPU that does not support SSE2.

Memory16 GB minimum 32 GB recommended. More memory almost always improves
performance, particularly when working with larger models.

Hard Disk

24 GB free disk space (which includes the 16 GB install footprint for a complete installation), 1025 GB depending on additional installations such as Companion Features and Companion
Products.

Screen Resolution

1024 x 768 or higher

OpenBuildings Designer

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OpenBuildings Designer

2.

Building Products Offering
Upon completion, resource should be able to:• Have a working knowledge of the building products offerings and capabilities.
• Understand the building products licensing options.

2.1

Building Products Offering
SLTopic

1

Bentley Building products (Bentley webpage)2

Product Licensing (Bentley webpage)3

Bentley Communities-BuildingOpenBuildings Designer

5OpenBuildings Designer

3.

MicroStation for Building Designers
Upon completion, resource should be able to:• Have a working knowledge of the basic MicroStation functionality and how it applies to building products.

3.1

Introduction to MicroStation CONNECT Edition

SLTopicDescription

1

Introduction to MicroStation CONNECT
Edition Course Introduction

2

Welcome to MicroStation

3

The MicroStation CONNECT Edition User
InterfaceIn this video, you will learn about the Introduction to MicroStation
CONNECT Edition course
In this video you will learn how to access the Welcome Page,
interact with a WorkSpace and WorkSet, open and “brand”
MicroStation design file to the active WorkSet and navigate theMicroStation CONNECT user interface.
Continuing with our introduction to MicroStation, we findourselves in need of becoming familiar with the basic layout, tool
locations, and functionality found in the MicroStation CONNECT
Edition. This video covers that information.

4

MicroStation for Building Designers
MicroStation CONNECT Edition Basics for
Building Designers

5

3D Modeling in MicroStation CONNECT
Edition6

Creating Visualizations with Bentley
LumenRT in a Building Project
Deliverables – Sheet Creation andAnnotation in MicroStation CONNECT
EditionThis Learning Path contains courses to teach you how to create
Buildings in accordance with standards using
PowerDraft/MicroStation CONNECT Edition.
This learning path contains exercises intended to help a new
MicroStation user become familiar with the MicroStation CONNECT
Edition. This will be done from the point of view of a building
designer or drafter working at a design firm, that is new toMicroStation, and has been awarded a design project that they will
be involved with.
This learning path covers the concepts and capabilities ofMicroStation CONNECT Edition for modeling of Curves, Surfaces,
Solids and Meshes in a 3D design file. It also teaches the basic tools
for ease of viewing and navigating in the 3D space. Logicalextensions or applications like parametric modeling or animation are
touched upon too with examples. Hands on exercises are provided
to reinforce the learning.
In this Learning Path, you will learn how to create real-timevisualizations with Bentley LumenRT in a Building Project.
This Learning Path contains courses that help you create thedeliverables from your MicroStation design files, such as sheets andannotated drawings.
Want to optimize your designs and organize your projects?

Producing Deliverables in MicroStation
Capitalize on the powerful capabilities found in MicroStation
CONNECT Edition within a Building Project

CONNECT that will enhance and streamline the process ofproducing deliverables for your Building Project -- from designcomposition to sheet composition. Discover how to browse filecontents and index DGN files for quick discovery of data and related
information using Explorer. Learn how to batch print your plan set,
be it small or large, utilizing MicroStation’s Integrated Print
Organizer which can reliably produce consistent, intelligent
deliverables for your project.

OpenBuildings Designer

6Link
Click Here
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OpenBuildings Designer

4.

OpenBuildings Designer
Upon completion, resource should be able to:• Have a working knowledge of the basic OpenBuildings Designer functionality and how it applies to building products.
• How to model basic building elements such as walls, doors, columns, slabs, ductwork and lights.
• Also, user should able to produce plan, section, and elevation drawings.

4.1

Welcome to OpenBuildings Designer

SL1

2

3

TopicDescription

This Learning Path contains courses that introduce an
Click Hereexisting OpenBuildings Designer user to new features andworkflows in the latest CONNECT Edition ofOpenBuildings Designer.
This Learning Path contains courses that introduce a new user toWelcome to the CONNECT Edition for New the initial installation, setup and interface of the CONNECT
Click Here
Edition of OpenBuildings Designer. The primary course, 3D andUsers
BIM Essentials, will help you better understand the 3D workflow
and the addition of information to a 3D model. There are several
additional reference courses for users unfamiliar with basic
platform functions such as AccuDraw, annotation and publishing.
After completing this Learning Path the student should continue
with a discipline specific BIM QuickStart course.
Welcome to the CONNECT Edition
This Learning Path contains courses that introduce a user
Click Herefor Revit Users
with a Revit background to OpenBuildings Designer
CONNECT Edition. The 3D and BIM Essentials course notes
the similarity of OpenBuildings Designer tools andconcepts to Revit tools and concepts where relevant.
Other courses continue the introduction to theapplication. After completing this Learning Path thestudent should continue with a discipline specific BIM
QuickStart course.
Welcome to the CONNECT Edition for
Existing Users

4.2 Architectural TrackSN12TopicDescription

In this Learning Path you will learn how to use OpenBuildings
QuickStart for OpenBuildings Designer: Designer to model architectural BIM models. You will create a
Architectural BIM Modeler Accreditation building model of a small commercial building using modeling tools
for walls, doors, windows, stairs and roofs. In addition, you will
generate drawing views and schedules from the BIM model. Onceyou have completed the BIM QuickStart Architecture Live Bundle,
you will have the opportunity to become a Bentley Accredited BIM
Modeler by completing the required coursework.
In this Learning Path you will learn how to use OpenBuildings
Training for OpenBuildings
Designer for professional project delivery. You will go beyond
Designer Architectural BIM
basic modeling and placement of objects and learn how to create
Professional Track
unique architectural elements, drawings, and schedules.

OpenBuildings Designer

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Link
Click Here

Click Here

OpenBuildings Designer

4.3 Structural Track
SNTopic

1

QuickStart for OpenBuildings Designer:
Structural BIM Modeler Accreditation

2

Training for OpenBuildings Designer
Structural BIM Professional Track

Description

Link

Description

Link

Description

Link

In this Learning Path you will learn how to use OpenBuildings
Designer to model structural BIM models. You will create a structural Click Heremodel for a small commercial building using modeling tools forbeams, columns, foundations, bracing, etc. In addition, you will
generate drawing views and schedules from the BIM model. Onceyou have completed the BIM QuickStart Structural Live Bundle, youwill have the opportunity to become a Bentley Accredited BIM
Modeler by completing the required coursework.
In this Learning Path you will learn how to use OpenBuildings
Designer to model structural BIM models. You will set up new
Click Herefiles, learn how to reference sub-models into master models,optimizing the federated model. You will model a variety ofstructural members using the modeling tools; Beams, Columns,Foundations, Walls, Bracing, etc. and create structural drawings
and reports from the model. You will work on horizontal,Vertical and inclined planes.

4.4 Mechanical TrackSN
1

2

Topic
QuickStart for OpenBuildings Designer:
Mechanical BIM Modeler Accreditation

Training for OpenBuildings Designer
Mechanical BIM Professional Track

In this Learning Path you will learn how to use OpenBuildings
Click Here
Designer to model mechanical BIM models. You will learn how tocreate an HVAC model of a small commercial building using modelingtools for air handling units, ductwork, duct fittings, air terminals, andconnections. In addition, you will generate drawing views from theBIM model. Once you have completed the BIM QuickStart
Mechanical Live Bundle, you will have the opportunity to become aBentley Accredited BIM Modeler by completing the requiredcoursework.
In this Learning Path you will learn how to use OpenBuildings
Click Here
Designer for professional project delivery. Courses on HVAC designincluding custom air-handling units, single-line duct modeling, 3D
duct modeling, HVAC analysis and drawing and report generation are
included

4.5 Electrical TrackSN
1

Topic
QuickStart for OpenBuildings Designer:
Electrical BIM Modeler Accreditation

OpenBuildings Designer

In this Learning Path you will learn how to use OpenBuildings
Designer to model an electrical BIM model. You will learn how toset up an electrical project and create an electrical model of asmall commercial building using modeling tools for panels,receptacles, switches, smoke detectors and lighting fixtures. Inaddition, you will generate drawing views and reports from the BIM
model. Once you have completed the BIM QuickStart ElectricalLive Bundle, you will have the opportunity to become a Bentley
Accredited BIM Modeler by completing the required coursework.

8Click Here

OpenBuildings Designer

5.

OpenBuildings – Energy Simulator
Upon completion, resource should have a preliminary overview:• How OpenBuildings Energy Simulator can be used to create an energy model and then run steady statecalculations from the energy model.

5.1

Welcome to OpenBuildings Energy Simulator

SL1Topic
QuickStart for OpenBuildings Energy
Simulator

OpenBuildings Designer

Description
In this Learning Path you will learn how to use
OpenBuildings Energy Simulator. The courses will take you
through the OpenBuildings Energy Simulator softwareinterface and show you how to create an Energy modelusing the Modeling tools and the Data Managers. Finally,
you will learn to run a variety of steady state calculations
based on the energy model.

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Click Here

OpenBuildings Designer

6.

OpenBuildings - GenerativeComponents
Upon completion, resource should have a preliminary overview:• How to use OpenBuildings GenerativeComponents to explore, understand, evaluate, adjust and scale yourdesign in minutes rather than hours or days.

6.1

Welcome to OpenBuildings GenerativeComponents

SLTopic

1

Building – QuickStart for
GenerativeComponents: Computation
Design Modeler Accreditation

2

Infrastructure QuickStart for
GenerativeComponents CONNECT Edition

OpenBuildings Designer

Description
This Learning Path is for Open Buildings Designer users
Click Here
who have the companion GenerativeComponents installed.
This Learning Path contains courses that teach architects
and engineers how to explore a broad range of "what-if"
alternatives for even the most complex buildings, quickly
and easily, and spend little time working on edits, deletions
and re-modeling changes that will slow down the design
cycle. Working in Bentley’s Generative Components, focus
is shifted away from ordinary 3D and BIM modeling.
Instead, you focus on defining and capturing the concept ofthe design. Once the concept is defined, with its internal
behavior and its external appearance, you may explore,
understand, evaluate, adjust and scale your design inminutes rather than hours or days. This directs creativity todeliver just the right building, optimized on sustainability,appearance, and cost.
This Learning Path contains courses that teach architects andengineers how to explore a broad range of "what-if" alternatives
Click Herefor infrastructure projects, such as tunnels, quickly and easily, andspend little time working on edits, deletions and re-modelingchanges that will slow down the design cycle. Working in Bentley’s
Generative Components, focus is shifted away from ordinary 3Dand BIM modeling. Instead, you focus on defining and capturing
the concept of the design. Once the concept is defined, with its
internal behavior and its external appearance, you may explore,understand, evaluate, adjust and scale your design in minutes
rather than hours or days. This directs creativity to deliver just theright building, optimized on sustainability, appearance, and cost.

10OpenBuildings Designer

7.

OpenBuildings - Legion
Upon completion, resource should have a preliminary overview:• How Legion is used to simulate pedestrian movement and how to analyse pedestrian movement.

7.1

Welcome to Open Buildings - Legion

SL12

Topic
QuickStart for Crowd Simulation withLegion

Advanced Crowd Simulation with Legion

OpenBuildings Designer

Description
In this Learning Path, you will learn how to build, simulate
and analyse a model of a tube station from scratch. You
can import or create all the necessary information to build amodel. Once the model is created, you can export a filethat can be used in the LEGION Simulator to generate androute entities toward their destinations. And finally, how touse Legion Analyser to answer common evacuation studyquestions.

In this advanced Learning Path you will learn how to create thedata templates, pedestrianize a CAD file, understand entity
movements, and create stairs and escalators.

11

Click Here

Click Here

OpenBuildings Designer

8.

Online Resources for OpenBuildings Designer
SL

Resource Detail

1File a new Service request

2

Product Downloads

Description

Link

Use this link to create a newServiceRequest
regarding
product issues, problems & anyquestions.
Note: Bentley user login andpassword required.

Click HereUse this link to download latest buildsClick Here

Example: Log a Service Request

Note: Bentley user login and password
required.
3

OpenBuildings Designer
Youtube Channel

Various channels on Youtube.com forvarious workflows & steps by step
videos. Please subscribe to thesechannels to get new workflows & videos
This is the place to access theinformation and expert’s advice on
different topics for Building products.
You can also post your issue or query
related to modelling, analysis anddesign of Buildings.

4

Bentley Communities &Forums

5

Guide for License
Activation

How to activate products under
Subscription Entitlement Service6User Projects Example

Project examples using OpenBuildings
Designer

OpenBuildings Designer

12

Bentley OpenBuildings
Bentley Institute

Click Here

Click Here
Click Here