Practice Workbook

This workbook is designed for use in Live instructor-led training and for OnDemand self study.
OnDemand videos for this course are available through CONNECT Advisor and on the LEARNserver.
®
Bentley OpenBuildings Designer TM

CONNECT Edition

Learning OpenBuildings Designer

About this Practice Workbook:

 This PDF file includes bookmarks providing an overview of the document. Click on the bookmark to
quickly jump to any section in the file.

 This workbook shows Imperial units—with International System (metric) units shown in blue italicized
text in brackets—for example:

Height: 15:0 [4500 mm] where the Imperial value for the height is 15’ and the SI value is 4500 mm.

 This course uses training examples delivered with the software.

Have a Question? Need Help?

If you have questions while taking this course, search in CONNECT Advisor for related courses and
topics. You can also submit questions to the Building Analysis and Design Forum on Bentley Communities
where peers and Bentley subject matter experts are available to help.

Revision: CE08 en.1 Course Level: Fundamental

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 Description and Objectives

Course Description
This course is an introduction to 3D BIM modeling with OpenBuildings Designer. This hands-on workbook contains exercises for getting
started with Bentley’s BIM solution, OpenBuildings Designer. The student will create a new project WorkSet and then learn the basic modeling
techniques for working in a 3D environment to create a small transportation station.

Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to work effectively in a 3D OpenBuildings Designer model. In the process you will
also learn the following tasks necessary to complete most building models.

 Set up a new project WorkSet.

 Navigate the 3D model views

 Create a conceptual block model

 Model columns and beams

 Place and modify walls.

 Add doors, windows and curtain

walls

 Place a sloped roof.

 Space planning

 Place assemblies

 Add furnishings and equipment

 Create a custom profile

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 Installing the Training Dataset
This is a hands on course, you will need to install the course dataset in order to complete the dataset.

1. Download the course dataset, LearningOpenBuildings.zip, to your desktop.

2. Use Extract All to unzip the file to your C:\. (Or another available drive.)

Note: The workbook for Learning OpenBuildings Designer is located in the zip file.

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 3. Start OpenBuildings Designer.
The Workpage will open. Before creating or opening a design file you must select a WorkSpace and a WorkSet. For the training you will create
a new WorkSpace that points to the course dataset that you installed in step 2.

4. From the WorkSpace pull-down select Create WorkSpace. The Create WorkSpace dialog will open.

Name: OpenBuildings Training

Note: The Name must be typed exactly as shown above.

Root Folder: C:\ (Or the drive where you unzipped the dataset.)

Note: Once you select the C:\ the rest of the folder path will be filled in. Do not select C:\OpenBuildings Training\ as the Root Folder.
5. Select OK and Close OpenBuildings Designer.
The WorkSpace is created, you need to close and re-open OpenBuildings Designer to see the WorkSets that were installed with the
training dataset.

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 Welcome to OpenBuildings Designer
OpenBuildings Designer is a single, shared, multi-discipline Building Information Modeling (BIM) solution that combines architectural,
structural, mechanical, and electrical design and construction documentation into a single consistent application. Delivered with this product
are integrated datasets and tool sets for Architectural, Mechanical, Structural and Electrical disciplines.

OpenBuildings Designer is specifically designed for AEC engineers and other building professionals to design, analyze, and construct
buildings of all types and scales. It empowers architects and engineers to design sustainable infrastructure and enables project teams to
deliver well-designed and high performing buildings while taking advantage of the many benefits associated with BIM.

A unified interface presented in a ribbon format enables seamless interoperability between disciplines, and fosters collaboration throughout
the project life cycle.

OpenBuildings Designer Focus

OpenBuildings Designer enables you to address essential project needs such as:

 Mass modeling and space planning that occur in the early stages of projects.

 Production of the design model including the placement of structural elements, walls, windows, doors, casework, HVAC systems and
components, and electrical systems and components.

 Production of project documentation such as drawings, schedules and reports throughout the project life cycle and beyond.

 Analysis capabilities, such as structural and energy analysis, ensure the building is structurally sound, energy efficient, and meets the
architectural requirements created by its designers.

 Simulation capabilities, such as clash detection for construction, review and identify coordination issues within the building model early
in the design process.

 Integrated visualization with the Luxology rendering engine.

OpenBuildings Designer supports both a single model work-flow for small buildings and a federated model work-flow for larger, more complex
projects. Bentley’s powerful referencing capabilities are used to create a master building model made up of any number of smaller distributed
models.

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 Chapter 1: The 3D Model
In OpenBuildings Designer, intelligent 3D models are the single source for all information and data (input and output) regardless of the
discipline. So the integrated project model typically includes model data that is architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical as well. Data
from virtually any discipline can be included in the 3Dintegrated project model.

When an element is placed in the model it appears as a 3D element and becomes the source for all extracted 2D information. That information
can take form as plans, elevations, sections, reports, schedules, and other documentation. The entire design process, from Schematic Design
to Presentation, evolves and originates from this data. All design revisions are made in the model and 2D data is automatically updated,
therefore it is important to learn the skills necessary to work effectively in a 3D model. This first chapter will focus on creating the 3D model,
placing simple geometry and then navigating and working in the 3D view.

The organization of model files needs to be considered fairly early in a project. Quite often the 3D master model will be made up of several
DGN master models which are necessary for the development of all the various discipline and design areas. These master models typically
include a Building (architectural) model (more than one usually), a Structural model, a Site (civil) model, a Mechanical model (HVAC and
plumbing), and models related to other discipline specific areas. Some key project model considerations are:

 Establishing master models for major design areas, building components, and discipline specific building applications.

 Dividing master model areas into smaller models that can be completed by other project team groups working simultaneously. The
smaller models are referenced into the master model.

 Limiting models to essential data; restricting detailing to construction documentation.

In this course the focus is learning how to work in the 3D model. For simplicity, only two models are created; one for the architectural discipline
and one for the structural. All data for each discipline is included in a single model file including the drawings and a single sheet. The structural
model will be referenced to the architectural model so that the structural data is included in the architectural drawings. This is possible on a
smaller building project or with a schematic building model. For larger, more complex building models, the model should be divided into a
number of smaller models as described above and the drawings and sheets would be created as separate files from the model files.

Unified Building Dataset

OpenBuildings Designer delivers a full, multiple discipline dataset for Architectural discipline, Structural discipline, and Mechanical discipline
components. It has been enhanced and streamlined for ease of use and management.This dataset also supports concatenation of parts and
families which enables you to easily append the OpenBuildings Designer delivered dataset with project related data.

The Part and Family System is organized into discipline specific and industry standard systems. The parts and families are organized with
Uniformat and IFC systems.

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 Exercise 1-1: Creating a New WorkSet and Model File
In order to start a building model a designer must set up their design environment by creating a new WorkSet and design file. In this exercise
you will create a new WorkSet and model files in order to start modeling the station building project.

1. Start OpenBuildings Designer from the Start menu or desktop

shortcut.

The WorkSpace and WorkSet

Upon starting up OpenBuildings Designer you will find that you need to
select a WorkSpace and a WorkSet.

Every file created should belong to a WorkSet, basically a set of files and
folders that all belong to the same project. Creating a new WorkSet
creates a set of folders that contain and define the files and standards for
that project. Every WorkSet will belong to a WorkSpace that defines
common standards for all the projects in that WorkSpace.

For the purpose of the Learning OpenBuildings Designer training you will
use the WorkSpace, OpenBuildings Training, and create a new WorkSet.

2. Set the WorkSpace to OpenBuildings Training.

3. From the WorkSet pull down, select Create WorkSet...
a. Create a Name, Description and Template for the new
WorkSet.

Name: Station Building_US [Station Building_NM]

Description: Transportation Station

Template: LearningOpenBuildingsDesigner_US
[LearningOpenBuildingsDesigner_NM].

4. Select OK.

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 5. Select New File.
File name: A_StationModel.dgn

6. Select the Browse... icon and

select the seed file.
File name:
DesignDrawingSheetSeed_Arch.d
gn

Delivered seed files include:

designseed.dgn - 3D Model
drawingseed.dgn - 2D Drawing Model
sheetseed.dgn - Sheet Model
The DesignDrawingSheetSeed_Arch is a dgn seed file that was created specifically for this project and has a 3D design model as well as
architectural drawing models and a sheet model preset with plan, section and elevation views.

Hint: It is standard practice to customize the delivered seed files in order to set up your own company standard seed files
a. Select Open to set the seed file.
b. Select Save to open the new file, A_StationModel.dgn.

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 Exercise 1-2: Navigating the Ribbon Interface
OpenBuildings Designer uses a ribbon interface. Ribbons help users easily find tools and commands with minimum number of clicks. Various
ribbons are organized by workflows; Building Design, Building Systems Design, Drawing, General, Modeling and Visualization. Each workflow
consists of multiple tabs, which are organized by tasks.

The ribbon interface is composed of the following:

1. File Tab - Opens the Backstage view where you can perform different operations such as managing your file and its settings, importing
and exporting files, accessing help, and so on.

2. Workflow - Contains option to select the workflow.

3. Tabs - Organized by tasks, tabs contain one or more groups of tools.
4. Quick Access Toolbar - Contains frequently used commands, such as Save, Save Settings, Undo and Redo.
5. Group - A labeled set of closely related commands or tools.
6. Ribbon Search - Enter words or phrases to search for in the ribbon.
7. Help Documentation - Access help from the ribbon by clicking this icon.
8. Sign in glyph - Displays when you are signed in as a CONNECTED user.
9. Family/Part - Used to select the active family and part for elements placed in the model
10. Icon locks - Frequently used locks.

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 Exercise 1-3: Creating a Conceptual Model
Let’s jump right in and create a conceptual 3D block model of the station building, then we’ll step back and look at the interface and file setup.

1. Select the Forms tab on the ribbon.

2. From the Forms group select the
Free Form tool.
3. Set the Active Family/Part to
Schematic Design: Massing
Building.
The Part controls the symbology of the object that you place. These are organized into various Families.
For Instance, architectural families include exterior and interior architectural components such as walls,
doors, windows, spaces, bathroom fixtures, and roof components. Within each family there are
numerous parts with different material definitions and properties such as glass, metal, brick, block,
stone, and wall finishes.

4. In the Place Free Form dialog set the Height to 15:00 [5000 mm].
5. Starting at the ACS Triad, use the left mouse button to place data points (left-click) in the model
defining the perimeter of the station footprint. The points will automatically snap to the grid points in
the view. The grid is a 12’ [4 M] module and the station footprint should be 60’ x 24’.[20M x 8 M].

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 Exercise 1-4: View Display and View Attributes
Multiple view windows allow you to view, navigate and manipulate the model from multiple perspectives during the design process. In the
previous exercise you used View 1 - Isometric to place the points and create the conceptual blocking model of the station building. You may
have noted that View 2 - Top shows the top view and View 3 - Front shows the front view of the model. In this exercise, you will set up a new
view group, a new view window and adjust various settings for the view.

On the lower right of the interface are the Manage View Groups tools. You currently are using a View Group, Building Model that has 3 views
open, set to an Isometric view, a Top view and a Front view. Let’s create a second View Group that has a Back Isometric View, a Top view and
a Side View.

1. Open the Manage View Groups dialog from the lower

right of the interface.

a. Select Create View Group.

Name: Building Model Back

Description: Back Iso and Side.

b. Select OK.
c. Select Apply and then Close.
The new View Group is created. From the pull down you can
now switch between the Building Model view group and the
Building Model Back view group. Select the Building Model
Back view group.
2. Toggle off View 1 and toggle on View 4.
3. Resize View 4 by dragging the sides and placing it roughly where View 1 was.
4. On the View tab on the ribbon, select the Arrange option
from the Windows group.

This will fit the 3 views to the screen using the current
arrangement.

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 We will cover view rotation in the next exercise, but lets use a quick shortcut to rotate View 4 to the Back Isometric view, and View 3 to a Side
rotation.
5. Left-click on the header of View 4 to make sure it is the active view.
6. Then hold the Shift and Ctrl key on the keyboard and right-click in the view. This will display a
screen menu with various view rotations displayed.

a. Select the Back-Left Isometric rotation.

7. Left-click on the header of View 3 to make sure it is the active view.
8. Then hold the Shift and Ctrl key on the keyboard and right-click in the view. This will again display
the screen menu with various view rotations displayed.
a. Select the Left rotation.
Note: Changes to the views, such as the rotation, are automatically saved to the current, active
View Group. View 3 will be rotated Left in this View Group, but remain a Front rotation in the
other View Group.

View controls are arranged in the view control bar docked by default to the
top of each view window.

The first pull-down is View Attributes.

View Attributes allow you to control the view window to display needed information. You can set the Display Style, Global Brightness and
toggle on and off View Attributes such as the design Grid that you used to easily place the form for the block model.

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 9. Open View Attributes from View 4.
10. Change the Display Style to *Proj | Modeling.
Display Styles are predefined collections of render overrides and some
optional settings that can be applied to views. They can range from a
simple wire-frame view of the model to an illustration view that shows
materials and real world lighting. The Display Style chosen here is one
created for the project and stored in the WorkSet DGN library.

11. Toggle the Grid on.

When working in the OpenBuildings Designer, you have the option of
turning on the Grid in any view. The Grid consists of evenly spaced
points on the design plane. It is a visual measurement and alignment
aid. The units, spacing and orientation can be set in the Design File
Settings dialog. Here the grid has a 3’-0” [1000 mm] spacing with
reference lines drawn at every 12’-0” [4000 mm], or every 4th point.

When used in conjunction with Grid Lock, the grid can assist in accurate
"by eye" placement of elements.

12. Toggle ACS Triad off and back on.

The ACS Triad is a three arrow representation (in 3D) that indicates the
X and Y axis and origin, displayed at the 0,0,0 origin of the model. This
is the Base Coordinate System and will be used to align models that are
referenced coincidently.

The 0,0,0 origin of the model is also the center of the Solids Working Area (SWA). The SWA is a defined volume/cube related to Solids
Accuracy, which is determined from both the Resolution setting and the Solids setting in the Advanced Unit Settings dialog. It is important
that building models are modeled within the SWA, so it is good practice to locate the building geometry near the ACS Triad. This is why
we started the block model at the ACS triad.

13. Toggle Default Lighting off and back on.

If Default Lighting is toggled on, lights that are built into the model are used. This lighting includes an over-the-shoulder camera light, flash
and ambient, otherwise the solar settings and user-defined lights are used.

14. Adjust the Global Brightness slider to adjust the brightness of the view.
Note: The Display Style, Lighting and Global Brightness can also be controlled from the next two pull-downs on the view window.

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 Exercise 1-5: Zoom, Fit, Rotate and Pan the View
The next group of tools on the view window are used to zoom, pan and rotate the view. These tools can also be accessed from the view
window as shown here, the built-in screen menu shown earlier and keyboard shortcuts. While working in a model it is often most efficient to
use mouse and keyboard shortcuts to navigate the view.

1. Practice navigating the view using the following view

shortcuts:
Wheel (scroll): Zoom In/Out

Alt + Wheel (scroll): Pan Left/Right

Wheel (press): Pan

Wheel (double-click): Fit View

Shift + Wheel (press): Rotate the view

Note: When pressing the mouse wheel to navigate, you can

use either of two methods:

Click-and-drag — click and hold the button on the mouse

as you move it. Releasing the button completes the
operation.

One-click operation — click in the view to commence the

navigation. Move the mouse as required (without holding
down the button), then click again to complete the
operation.

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 It is also possible to turn on a camera in any view and walk
through the view or model.

2. From the View Perspective pull-down select Change

View Perspective.
a. Select the view. A dot appears at the data point
location.

b. Move the pointer away from the dot to increase the

perspective and accept with a data point.

When a camera is on in a view, the Walk, Fly and Navigate

View tools can be used to move around the model.

In addition, with a camera on in the view pressing the Ctrl key

while scrolling the wheel will walk forwards and backwards in
the view rather than zoom in and out.

3. Use the key-in Ctrl + Wheel (scroll) to walk forwards and

backwards in the view.
You can now toggle between two view groups, the Building
Model, which has a Front Isometric, Top and Front view and
the Building Model Back which has a Back Isometric, Top
and Side view.

4. Set the View Group back to Building Model.

Before ending this exercise lets save the current file settings,
so that next time this file is opened, it will open to the current
view group, Building Model, and all the changes you have
made to the view display and rotation for the Building Model
Back View Group will also be saved.
5. Ctrl + F to Save Settings.
Note: The file itself is saved automatically every few seconds,
we do not need to worry about saving the changes to the file
geometry.

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 Exercise 1-6: AccuDraw Compass and Precision Input
Building models must be built precisely and AccuDraw and AccuSnap are the tools used to input precision dimensions, slopes and angles.

AccuDraw is a drafting and modeling aid that evaluates such parameters as

your current pointer location, the previously entered datapoint, the last
coordinate directive, the current tool's needs, and any directive you have
entered via shortcut key-ins or AccuDraw options. AccuDraw then generates
the appropriate precision coordinates and applies them to the active tool

AccuDraw's most recognizable feature is its compass, visible only when

AccuDraw is active and has control of OpenBuildings Designer’s coordinate
input, the compass acts as both a status indicator and a focus for your input.
AccuDraw has its own window which contains the data entry fields and axis
lock buttons for the currently active coordinate system. The AccuDraw window
is docked along the bottom edge of the application window.

AccuSnap provides tentative snap functionality, which may be used stand-

alone or in combination with AccuDraw. It provides graphical assistance — a
"smart" pointer — for snapping to elements. This automates the tentative snap
process, when in AccuSnap mode, you simply select a tool and move the
pointer over the elements, letting AccuSnap find and display the nearest
tentative snap point for you. When the correct snap point is displayed, you
enter a data point to accept.

Graphical Input with a Mouse

To input graphical data you will the mouse.
Left Button:
The Data button—used to enter data points, is mapped to the left-hand Click = Data Point – Select; Accept
mouse button.

The Reset button—used for resetting and for accessing the Reset pop-up
menu and the view control pop-up menu, is mapped to the right-hand Right Button:
mouse button. Click = Reset – Finish Command; Cancel
The Tentative button—used to enter tentative snap points, is invoked by
clicking the left-hand and right-hand mouse buttons at the same time. Press = Pop-up context tool menu
This is called a button "chord" and serves as a third button.

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 In this exercise you will modify the block form and place SmartLines and shapes using the AccuDraw compass. You will use shortcut key-ins
to interactively control the compass.

1. Set the Snap mode to Multi-snap 1 and toggle On AccuSnap.

There are numerous snaps modes such as keypoint, center, and intersection.
Unlike an ordinary snap mode, a multi-snap represents a list of other snaps.
When a multi-snap is active, AccuSnap and Tentative Point snap will process
the list of snaps that it represents. Multi-snap 1 represents, intersection,
keypoint and nearest.

2. Toggle Off the Grid lock.

When Grid Lock is on, all data points and tentative points are forced to fall
precisely on a point in the grid. You used this to place the initial geometry ‘by
eye’, but now you will use AccuDraw, AccuSnap and precision input to modify
the block form and to place lines and shapes for a schematic platform canopy.

You may also like to turn off the Grid in the View Attributes.

The Selection tool is used to select and deselect elements for

modification or manipulation. A set of selected elements is called a
selection set.

The default settings are Individual and New. Take note that there is a toggle
to Disable Handles. This should be toggled Off. Edit handles are a valuable
tool for modifying objects in the 3D model and should be enabled.

Objects can be individually selected using the left button on the mouse. The
Ctrl key allows you to add or subtract elements from the selection. You can
also drag the mouse in the view to select multiple elements.

Drag around the area containing the elements you want to select. As you drag,
a dynamic rectangle outlines the area. Use a left-right direction for inside
selection and a right-left direction for overlap selection

3. Select the block form of the station building.

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 Distance and Direction
4. Select the edit handle on the left face. Note the AccuDraw compass, it
has been rotated and locked so that you can only drag this face
perpendicular to the original face, all you need now is to indicate the
direction and type in the distance.

a. Drag this face outwards and type 6 [2000 mm] on the keyboard note
that the face is now locked at this position. Left-click to accept

b. Move the right face outward 12:0 [3000 mm].

a. b.
c. Move the back face inwards by 6:0 [2000 mm].
d. Left-click in the view to deselect the form.

You can also modify edges of the form, for this you will use the Modify Solid
Entity tool.
c. d.
5. From the Modify Forms on the Forms tab select the Modify Solid Entity
tool.

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 a. Set the method to Edge and toggle on Full Dynamics.
b. Working in View 1 - Iso, select the top, back edge of the form.
Note the AccuDraw compass is rotated perpendicular to the edge, but this
time you can move both forward and backwards and up and down. You
want to drag this edge down vertically to create a sloped roof, so you will
use an AccuDraw shortcut to lock the axis.

c. Drag the cursor vertically below the compass, use the Enter key on the
keyboard to lock the axis.

d. Type in the distance, 4:6 [1500 mm].

e. Data point (Left-click) to accept.
Note: There will be an alert that this change will convert the parametric
form to a Smart Solid. There are some significant differences between
parametric forms and Smart Solids, but for the purposes of this block
model it is not important.

f. Select Yes to make the changes. You now have a 3:12 slope on the roof.
You will continue to use AccuDraw in conjunction with the SmartLine tool to add some additional geometry for the platform canopy at the back
of the building.

6. Set the View Group to Building Model Back.

7. Set the Active Family/Part to
General: Constructions Dashed.
8. From the Common Tools select the
SmartLine tool.
Hint: The Space key is a keyboard shortcut that pops up a tool palette of
commonly used tools. Space + X will quickly select the SmartLine tool.

The line you will place needs to be offset from the actual building form, so you will use
some AccuDraw shortcuts to place it relative to the building geometry.

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 Offset Origin
9. Tap the Space bar to activate the ribbon popup menu of Common Tools.
Select the Place SmartLine tool.

10. Working in View 4, hover your cursor near the bottom corner of the
building until you see the yellow X indicating that AccuSnap has found
the vertex.

a. Do not data point (left-click) to start the SmartLine. Instead type O on

the keyboard. This is a shortcut key-in that resets the origin of the
AccuDraw compass to the current cursor location.

Now you can lock the axis and type in dimensions to move the compass
again.

b. Move the cursor away from the building and use Enter to lock the
axis. and type 12:0 [4000 mm] to define the distance, then type O
again to move the compass.

c. Now move the cursor 90 degrees and use Enter to lock the axis, then
type 12:0 [4000 mm] to define the distance. Data point (Left-click) to
accept the point as the start point of the SmartLine.

Note that the AccuDraw compass moves and rotates with the cursor as
the line is drawn, but it is currently on the XY or Top plane. The shortcut
key-ins T, F, and S will rotate the compass to the Top, Front and Side
planes.

d. Type S to rotate the compass to a Side orientation, move the cursor in

the vertical direction, type Enter to lock the axis. Type 12:0 [4000 mm]
to define the distance of the line, data point (left-click) to accept.
e. Right-click to reset and finish the line.

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 Rotate to Element
Now, you will place a second line, that matches the slope of the building roof. In this case we need to rotate the AccuDraw compass to match
the rotation of an existing element.

11. Unlock the ACS Plane and ACS Plane Snap lock.
Note: When toggled on, these locks project a data point to the current ACS plane. When toggled off you can snap to any point in 3D space.
12. Start a new SmartLine at the top of the line just placed.
a. Use S to rotate the compass to the
side orientation.

b. Type RE to rotate the compass to an

element and select the sloped line at
the edge of the roof. Data point (left-
click) to accept.

c. Type Enter to lock the axis and type

12:0 [4000 mm] to define the distance.
Data point (left-click) to accept.
d. Right-click to reset and finish the line.

Polar Mode
So far you have used the AccuDraw compass in the rectangular mode inputting X, Y, and Z
coordinates. There is also a polar mode for inputting distance and angle.

13. Data point (left-click) to the top of the vertical line drawn for the platform canopy.
a. Type M to toggle the Mode of the compass from Rectangular to Polar. Type 15:0
[4500 mm] to define the length.

b. Use the down arrow or the <tab> key to move the focus to the AccuDraw Angle
field and type 22.5. Data point (left-click) to accept.
c. Right-click to reset and finish the line.

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 Previous Distance
Now lets use AccuDraw with the Copy tool and take advantage of an
AccuDraw feature, Previous Distance.

14. Select the 3 lines just placed to create a selections set.

15. From the Common Tools select the Copy tool.
a. Select the start point at the base of the vertical line.
b. Type T to rotate the AccuDraw compass to a Top orientation.
c. Type M to change the mode back to rectangular.
d. Drag the cursor to the left and use Enter to lock the axis. Type 18:0
[6000 mm] to define the distance. Data point (left-click) to accept.
16. The Copy tool is still active and you can continue to copy the selection
set.

a. Drag the cursor to the left and use Enter to lock the axis.
Note that the cursor temporarily locks at 18:0 [6000 mm]. As you place
elements in your model AccuDraw keeps track of the distance between your
last two data points. Known as the Previous Distance, AccuDraw uses this
distance as a hint for your next data point. As you keep the pointer within the
tolerance distance of this previous distance, AccuDraw will keep it locked, so
that you can data point to accept the previous distance without re-typing the
distance.

b. With the cursor temporarily locked at the Previous Distance, data

point (left-click) to accept.
17. Copy again a distance of 30:0 [9000 mm].
18. Copy 2 more times a distance of 18:0 [6000 mm].
19. Right-click to reset and finish.
Finally, you will use the Place Block tool to place rectangular shapes as a
place holder for a glass canopy. Later we can use those shapes to create an
actual panelized roof.

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 20. Change the Family and Part to
SchematicDesign::Massing
Transparent.
21. Tap the Space bar and select the Place Block tool.
Method: Rotated

a. Select the start point in the model, note that the AccuDraw compass is
in the Top orientation, the next point will change the rotation of the
compass.

b. Select the next point at the other end of the sloped line, this moves the compass and also rotates it to the orientation defined by the
two points.
c. Select a third point to define the length of the block.
d. Continue placing blocks to define the canopy.

In this exercise you have learned various AccuDraw and AccuSnap techniques and shortcuts for placing geometry precisely in the model.
Now that you have more geometry in the model, you may find it necessary to limit which geometry is displayed in the view. In the next exercise
you will learn two techniques for controlling the display of geometry.

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 Exercise 1-7: Level Display and Display Sets
Now that you have more geometry in the model, you may find it necessary to limit which geometry is displayed in the view. In this exercise you
will learn two techniques for controlling the display of geometry; Level Display and creating a Displayset.

Level Display
Each element in a model is on a level. The level is determined by the active part when the object is placed in the model. Levels can then be
turned on and off in each view, so in different combinations they make it easier to see parts of a model. Use the Level Display dialog to turn
levels in the active model and any referenced models on and off in the view.

1. Open the Level Display dialog.

The dialog show all levels available from libraries. Levels can filtered and
also sorted by the column headings.

a. Select the Name column heading to sort by Name and then select the
Used column heading to sort by Used.
The levels are now displayed alphabetically and with all used levels
shown first, followed by the unused library levels.

b. Double-click on A-BLDG-MASS to make it the active level. The active

level is highlighted in green.

c. Select level G-ANNO-NPLT to toggle it off. Select it again to toggle it

back on.

The Level Display is set to View Display, by default, meaning changes in

the level display affect the active view in the active model. Changes can
be applied to a selected view or to all views if the Apply to Selected View
or the Apply to Open View icon is selected.

2. Close the Level Display dialog.

Note: Level Display settings can be saved with a Save Settings and retained
between sessions. They can also be saved as part of a Saved View for recall
later.

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 Displaysets
Displaysets let you select a group of elements to display in selected views,
with all other elements hidden. This is quick way to isolate the geometry you
want to work on, but it is a temporary setting and cannot be saved betweens
session or as part of a Saved View.

3. Create a Selection Set of the platform canopy geometry.

4. Right-Press and select Displayset Set. Now each view only shows the
platform canopy geometry.

a. Left-click in any view to deselect the geometry.

The displayset will remain active until it is either cleared or the model is
closed. However, the visibility of a Displayset is a View Attribute, so the
displayset can be displayed in one view while all geometry is displayed in
another view.

5. Open the View Attributes for View 2 - Top and toggle off Displayset.
Note that now in View 2 - Top all geometry is shown.

6. Right-press in any view and select Displayset Clear to clear the Displayset and view all the
geometry in all views.

Now that you have completed the first chapter you may want to close OpenBuildings Designer.
Check that your views are set the way you would like them saved for the model.

7. Ctrl+F to Save Settings.

8. File > Exit to close OpenBuildings Designer.
In Chapter 1: The 3D Model you have learned the basics of placing geometry and controlling
various views of the model in OpenBuildings Designer. You set up view windows and modified
View Attributes. You used the design grid and grid locks to quickly place geometry ‘by eye’ on the
design plane. You then used the AccuDraw compass in conjunction with AccuSnap to place lines
and shapes in 3D space. And finally, you learned how to display the geometry you want to see
while working on the model. In the next chapter you will begin to define the building environment
by defining floor elevations, a structural grid and adding a site model for context.

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 Chapter 2: The 3D Building Environment
Now that you have placed the initial geometry for the station building model it is time to set up the 3D building environment for the building
model. You will need floor planes and a structural grid for your building model so that geometry can be aligned between the 3D models. You
will also investigate the Explorer dialog to see how it is used to navigate and explore all the content that makes up a 3D building model. You
will use the Explorer dialog to add a site survey model to the building model and then align the building model with the real world using Geo-
Coordinates.

1. Start OpenBuildings Designer from the Start

menu or desktop shortcut.

2. Set the WorkSpace to OpenBuildings

Training.
3. Set the WorkSet to Station Building_US
[Station Building_NM]

4. Select the file A_StationModel.dgn from the

list of Recent Files. The file will open.

Optional - If you did not complete the exercises in

Chapter 1 and would like a completed model to
start the exercises in Chapter 2, there are several
milestone files stored in the project WorkSet.

5. Select the Browse icon

a. Navigate to the X_Milestone folder.
b. Select the file A_StationModel_2.dgn.
c. Select Open.
You are ready to start the exercises for Chapter 2:
The 3D Building Environment.

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 Exercise 2-1: Using Floor Planes
Floors and reference planes are used to help you model elements at the correct height in the 3D model. In this exercise you will select a floor
plane from the Floor Selector to set the working plane and the appropriate snap locks.

1. From the bottom of the interface set the

Active Floor to the GROUND FLOOR and
then the ROOF.
Note that the ACS Triad changes its
vertical location based on the Floor
Selector. This indicates the ACS plane for
modeling.

In addition, the ACS Plane and ACS Snap

Plane are toggled to the locked position,
this will be the default whenever a floor is
selected from the Floor Selector.

Locking the ACS Plane and the ACS Snap Plane means the elements you model will be placed on the active ACS plane or Floor.

Hint: A Save Settings will save the floor selection, so that next time you open the file the Floor Selector is set to the currently selected floor.
The floors and reference planes in the Floor Selector are set up by the Floor Manager. The Floor Manager is used to create and manage floor
definitions, floors and floor reference planes in a Master Floor File (BB_FloorMaster.dgnlib) so that the information is consistent between all
files within the project WorkSet. The Floor Manager dialog is also used to insert floors, modify and delete floors and associated reference
planes and floor groups as well as set elevation annotation.

You will now add an additional reference plane for the entrance canopy and clerestory windows which will be at an elevation 9:0 [3000 mm]
above the ground floor.

2. Open the Floor Manager.

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 The Floor Manager dialog opens.

Note that each floor and its associated

reference planes are listed in the dialog, along
with an elevation. The icons at the top of the
dialog allow you to add and remove Buildings,
Floors and Reference Planes.

3. Select the GROUND FLOOR.

4. Select Add Reference Plane. A Reference
Plane is added to the Ground Floor.
5. Rename the Reference Plane Canopy/
Clerestory.
6. Set the Floor-to-Floor to 9:0 [3000 mm].
For a Reference Plane the Floor-to-Floor
refers to the height relative to the Floor.

7. Select Apply, then Close.

The new Reference Plane will now be available in the Floor Selector.

8. Set the Active Floor to Canopy/

Clerestory.
Note in View 3 - Front that the ACS Triad has
moved up to the new elevation.

You will now place geometry in the model to understand how the Active Floor and the ACS Plane and ACS Snap Plane lock control the
placement of geometry.

9. Set the active Family/Part to

Schematic Design: Massing Roof.

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 10. Select the Slab tool from the Forms group on the Forms tab.

a. Set the following in the Place Slab dialog:

Thickness: 0:10 [250 mm].

Top of Slab: 0

Side Angle: Vertical.

11. Working in either the Top or Iso view, snap the cursor to the corner of the
building mass near the ACS triad, but do not place a data point.

Note that even though you have snapped to the bottom corner, the
AccuDraw compass has been projected to the active ACS plane.

a. Use the AccuDraw shortcut O to set the origin of the compass.

b. Move the cursor 18’-0” [or 6000 mm] in the X-direction to define the
start point of the slab form. Data point (left-click) to accept.
a. b.
c. Using AccuDraw continue to place a slab form that is 9’-0” x 42’-0”
[2700 mm x 13000 mm] centered on the front of the building.

d. Right-click to place the slab form.

Note that the top of the slab was placed at the active ACS plane.

12. Set the Active Floor back to GROUND FLOOR.

Next you will create a basic structural grid based on the schematic massing of
the building and canopy forms.
c. d.

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 Exercise 2-2: Creating a Building Grid
A grid will serve as a datum for elements like columns beams and walls. In this exercise you will set up a simple sketch grid based on the
schematic massing model.

1. Open the Grid Systems dialog by selecting the Grid Systems Manager icon on the Floor Selector.

2. Add a new Sketch Grid.

a. From the Add pull-down select Sketch (2 Axis).
3. Rename the new SketchGrid to Station Grid.
a. Set the Start Floor to GROUND FLOOR>Foundations
and the End Floor to ROOF>Platform Canopy.
4. Under the Grid Lines Settings select Add/Modify.
A temporary Top view will open with the current geometry
grayed out. You will now draw some grid lines based on the
blocking model created.

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 5. On the Add/Modify Grid Lines tool bar set the
Axis to Axis 1 and the Label to an End Label.
6. Select the Place Line tool on the Add/Modify Grid
Lines tool bar.

a. Draw a grid line along the ridge of the platform roof canopy.
7. Select the Copy tool on the Add/Modify Grid Lines tool bar.
a. Select the grid line A and using AccuDraw copy 12:0 [4000 mm] to the
back edge of the station building.
Hint: Since the grid line and the canopy shape overlap you may need to
use Reset (right-click) on the mouse to scroll through the selected
geometry until the grid line is selected.

b. Copy the grid line again 18:0 [6000 mm] to the front edge of the
building.

8. Set the Axis to Axis 2 and the Label to End Label.

9. Select the Place Line tool on the Add/Modify Grid
Lines tool bar.

a. Draw a grid line from the start point of grid line C to the top left corner of
the platform canopy.

10. Select the Copy tool on the Add/Modify Grid Lines tool bar.
a. Select grid line 1 and copy it 5 more times at the following spacings:
18:0, 18:0, 30:0, 18:0, 18:0, [6000, 6000, 9000,6000,6000] creating
grid lines 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. These should align with the platform canopy
panels.
Now you will create 3 additional grid lines to expand the platform canopy.

b. Select grid line 6 and copy it 3 more times at the following spacings:
30:0, 18:0, 18:0, [9000,6000,6000] creating grid lines 7, 8 and 9.

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 Grid lines can be modified using the selection tool and handles.

11. Select grid line A.

a. Select the end handle and stretch the line to grid line 9.
b. Repeat for grid lines 1, 6, 7, 8 and 9, trimming these grid lines back to
grid line B.

12. Select Finish on the Add/Modify Grid Lines tool bar.

13. Select OK in the Grid Systems dialog to save the grid and close the
dialog.

The grid is now displayed in each of the views. This same grid will be visible in
all models created within this project WorkSet and will be used for placing and aligning geometry in the model.

Now lets use the grid intersections to copy the platform geometry and extend the geometry to the new grid lines.

14. Make a selection set of the last 3 bays of the platform canopy and then select the Copy tool.
a. Snap to the intersection of grid line A and grid line 6 as the point to copy from.
b. Snap to the intersection of grid line A and grid line 9 as the point to copy to.

c. Right-click to reset and finish.

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 Exercise 2-3: Working with Site Files
When modeling a building it is helpful to have a site survey or site model to help give the building context and locate it within the real world,
making sure it is designed within the property and setback lines. In this exercise you will learn how to open the Explorer dialog, attach a
reference, move and rotate the reference and then import geo-coordinates from the reference.

1. Open the Explorer dialog. It should automatically dock on the left side
of the interface.

Introduction to Explorer
The Explorer dialog allows you to manage and control project content. It is
a single interface that provides browsing function for files, links, items,
resources, and sheet indexes.

The Explorer dialog consists of five tabs: File tab, Items tab, Resources tab,
Sheet Index tab, and Links tab.

File tab—used to browse and manage the file content such as models,
references, saved views, levels, styles, templates, and so on.

Items tab—displays non-graphical business data in a DGN file in

hierarchical order.

Resources tab—displays resources used in a DGN file in hierarchical

order.

Sheet Index tab—allows you to manage sheet indexing. A sheet index

is an organized and named collection of sheet models from one or
more design files.

Links tab—can be used to see the linked data.

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 2. Select the Links tab.
a. Expand the Project Tree > Building Models > Design Models.
Note that there are additional design models that are part of this project or
WorkSet, such as a site survey. You will now attach the Survey_3D[
C_Site Survey.dgn] as a reference file so that the station building is
modeled in the correct context.

3. Select the Survey_3D [C_Site Model.dgn] and drag and drop it into any
view.

a. Set the Attachment Method to Recommended.

b. Select OK,
The Survey_3D [C_Site Model.dgn] model is now attached as a base
reference file.

It is typical that a civil file, such as a survey or rail alignment will be

modeled at real world coordinates rather than near the 0,0,0 origin,
C_Site Model.dgn
therefore the two files do not align. It is necessary to move the site survey
reference file so that the building model is within the site property. Once A_Station Model
that is done, you can import the real world coordinates from the reference
file and the building model will also be geo-located.

4. Activate View 2 - Top and use the Fit View icon to fit All the files.

You will now move and rotate the C_Site Model.dgn reference so that it is
aligned with the station location.

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 5. Activate View 2 - Top and use the Fit View icon to fit only the Active file.

6. Open View 4, rotate to Top and use the Fit View icon to fit only the Reference file.
The station building is intended to be located along the lake front rail line on King Street. Zoom into this area.

7. Right-press over the C_Site Model.dgn reference and select Move Reference.
a. Select the lower left corner of the station building outline as the point to move from, move the cursor to View 2 and select the lower left
corner of the building as the point to move to.

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 Next you will rotate the C_Site Model.dgn reference so that the site is aligned with the Station Building or the X-axis.

8. Right-press over the C_Site Model.dgn reference and select Rotate Reference.
a. Set the Method to By Points.
a. Select the first point, the pivot point, as the lower left corner near the ACS Triad.
b. Select the second point, the start of the rotation, as the lower right corner of the station building
outline on the C_Site Survey.dgn.

c. Select the third point to define the rotation, as the lower right corner of the station building
model.

9. Right-click to reset and complete the rotation.

Now that the site is aligned with the building model you can import the Geo-Coordinate System from the site file so that the station
building model can use this Geo-Coordinate System to be correctly aligned with real-world coordinates, while still being modeled within
the Solids Working Area.

Next you will import the Geo-Coordinate System from the survey file.

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 10. From the Geographic group on the Drawing Aids tab select the Coordinate System tool.
The Geographic Coordinate System dialog will open. Note that there is currently no GCS in this file.

a. Select the From Reference icon in the Geographic Coordinate System dialog.
b. The Geographic Coordinate System from Reference dialog will open showing the attached references.
11. Select C_Site Survey.dgn and then select OK.

c. An alert will pop up about feature support in earlier versions of the software, select OK.
d. A second alert will pop up about the design file units, select the option “The graphic
elements are correctly drawn in feet. The storage units should not be changed.” Select OK.
The Geographic Coordinate System dialog should now show a GCS of EPSG:2029 Helmert
Transformation.
Note: When referencing a building model to a Civil model using geo-referencing set the
orientation to Geographic - AEC Transform to maintain the building geometry without any re-
projection of the geometry.

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 Exercise 2-4: Review the Drawing and Sheet Views
Now that you have the beginnings of a building model you can review some of the output available from the model, such as drawings. The
drawings are generated from the model and should be periodically checked throughout the modeling effort. In this session you will learn how
to open the drawing views for the plan section and elevation drawings. These views were already set up as part of the seed file.

1. From the Explorer dialog expand the File tab.

a. Expand the Models group.
Remember, in this context a model refers to a container within the DGN file and it can be
a 3D model, a 2D drawing or a sheet. You can see here that within this file, in addition to
the 3D model, Architectural Model, you have been working in, there are 4 drawing
models, the grey drawing icon indicates that they are drawing models, and one sheet
model, indicated by the white sheet icon.

These were part of the seed file used when this file was created. On a larger project
these drawing and sheet models would most likely be stored in separate files.

2. Double-click the PLAN model to view the Plan Drawing. .

Note: The Plan Drawing is a cut view of the 3D

model referenced to this drawing model, so it is
updated as the model is built. Currently you
have a conceptual model, so you have a
conceptual drawing. Additional annotations,
such as notes and dimensions would be added
in this drawing model.

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 3. Select the Architectural Model to navigate back to the 3D model.
4. In the Explorer dialog switch to the Links tab.
a. Expand Project Tree > Drawings > All Drawings.
Here you will see only drawings, but all the drawings in this WorkSet, even drawings that
might be in another file. In the next chapter you will create a structural model so then you
will see additional structural drawings listed here. These are links to the drawing models
and double-clicking will open the drawing model and file.

b. Navigate to the Sheets folder to see all the sheets within this WorkSet

Each drawing and sheet model within this file also has a corresponding View Group. We
can open the model by selecting the View Group.

5. Select the View Group Drawing 2.This will open the model of the CROSS SECTION
drawing.

Note: The Section Drawing is also a cut view of

the 3D model referenced to this drawing model,
so it is updated as the model is built. Note that
the floor elevations and grids are automatically
generated based on the Floor Manager and
Grid System Manager and displayed on the
drawing.

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 6. Select the View Group Drawing 3. This will open the model of the ELEVATION drawing.

7. Select the View Group Drawing 4. This will open the model of the PLATFORM ELEVATION drawing.

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 8. Select the View Group Sheet 1. This will open the model of the SHEET.
This is a sheet model with a border file attached and each of the drawing
models referenced and arranged on the sheet ready for plotting.

This course is focused on the creation of the 3D model and does not
cover the creation of drawings and sheets, but they are an important
output of the 3D model and you will check the drawing progress as you
build the model.

9. Navigate back to the Building Model View Group.

Now that you have completed the second chapter you may want to
close OpenBuildings Designer. Check that your views are set the way
you would like them saved for the model.

10. Ctrl+F to Save Settings.

11. File > Exit to close OpenBuildings Designer.

In Chapter 2: The 3D Building Environment you have defined the building environment. You set up floor reference planes in the Floor
Manager. You then created a structural grid for the project based on the initial conceptual geometry for the building. Finally, you referenced in
a site model for context and geo-located the building model using the site reference. In the next chapter you will begin to add intelligent
building objects to the model, starting with some structural members.

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 Chapter 3. Modeling Structural Elements
So far you have created a block model using forms. While forms have family and part information that determines what they look like and
geometric information, such as their base area or perimeter surface area, they are generic in nature and do not have DataGroup information,
meaning they are not part of the DataGroup catalog system and cannot be scheduled and reported.

You will now add intelligent objects to the model, such as structural columns and beams. These objects are part of the DataGroup catalog
system and can hold a great deal of information, not only graphical data like height, width and areas, but meta data such as their material and
structural function.

What is the DataGroup System?

Generally, design teams approach modeling work with a set of familiar placement tools to construct models and complete designs. An
architecture team may use an assortment of door, window, and space planning tools, a plant team may use a mixture of pipe, vessel, and stair
commands, or a structural team may use several beam, column, and footing tools.

Architecture teams place doors that have different usage requirements. For example, doors in a hospital X-ray room are different than the
bedroom doors of a private residence. Likewise, the structural requirements for steel girders in a one-story shopping mall will be different than
those placed in the 75th floor of a skyscraper. Similarly, plant requirements for piping used in a caustic chemical process are different than the
requirements for pipe needed to pasteurize milk.

So design teams from every discipline need a system that enables them to assign important model data to model objects to distinguish their
specific use. Assigned catalog item data must be placed with each item instance and the system must also track and manage the data for
schedules and reporting. Furthermore, design teams need to be able to set catalog items and instance data for a host of placement tools so
that workflow can begin and continue without interruption.

This is the DataGroup System.

1. Start OpenBuildings Designer from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.

2. Set the WorkSpace to:
OpenBuildings Training
3. Set the WorkSet to:
Station Building_US [Station Building_NM]

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 4. Select New File.
File name: S_StationModel.dgn

5. Select the Browse... icon and

select the seed file,
DesignDrawingSheetSeed_Strc.
dgn
a. Select Open to set the seed
file.

b. Select Save to open the new

file, S_StationModel.dgn.

The DesignDrawingSheetSeed_Strc is a dgn seed file that was created specifically for this project and has a 3D design model as well as
structural drawing models and a sheet model preset with foundation plan and framing plan views.

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 Exercise 3-1: Placing Columns
Columns are a required structural element. In this exercise you will select a column from the library, modify its properties, save it as a new
catalog item and place it in the model using the grid intersections.

1. Set the Floor Selector to the Station >

GROUND FLOOR.
2. Select the Steel Column tool from the
Structural Elements group on the Structural tab of the ribbon.

3. From the catalog type Column | Steel select the catalog item Main Column.
a. Select a steel section from the library of shapes pull-down.
Section Name: Standard > AISC_I_W > W8x24 [Standard > BS UC > UC203X203X46]

In addition to selecting the steel section, there are a number of other properties that
could define the column, such as a structural finish, fire rating, construction phase and
even a column type that would be used for annotation and scheduling. These are all
DataGroup properties of the column.

b. Set a few of the DataGroup properties:

Structural Finish: Painted

ID | Type ID: C1

Now that you have defined a few properties for this column, you can save it as a new
catalog item within the project WorkSet. This will allow you to place the same column
again without resetting the properties.

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 4. From the catalog item pull-down select Save
Catalog Item As...
a. Name the new catalog item C1 | Steel Column
and select OK.

The new catalog item is created and now the active

column ready for placement.

5. On the Placement ribbon set the following

placement properties:
Placement: Centroid

Rotation: 90°

Place By: Grid

Length: 9:6 [3200 mm]

6. Select all the grid intersections along grid line A.

a. Data point (left-click) to accept.
Nine columns are placed for the support of the
platform canopy.

Next, you will place a second set of columns for the

building.

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 7. With the Place Column dialog still open change the
following properties:
Section Name: W10x26 [UB254X146X31]

Structural Finish: Painted

ID | Type ID: C2

8. From the catalog item pull-down select Save

Catalog Item As...
a. Name the new catalog item C2 | Steel Column
and select OK.

The new catalog item is created and now the active

column ready for placement.

9. On the Placement ribbon the inputs should remain

the same:

Placement: Centroid

Rotation: 90°

Place By: Grid

Length: 9:6

10. Select all the grid intersections along column line

B2, B3, B4 and B5 using a crossing window.
a. Data point (Left-click) to accept.
Four columns are placed in the model. These
columns are on the low side of the building, but teh
building has a roof slope, so you will change the
height for the next set of columns.

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 11. On the Placement ribbon change the Length to
14:0 [4700 mm].
12. Select all the grid intersections along column line
C2, C3, C4 and C5 using a crossing window.
a. Data point (Left-click) to accept.

Four more columns are placed in the model.

In the next session you will place footings under the

columns.

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 Exercise 3-2: Placing Footings
In this exercise you will place footings under the columns placed in the previous session. You will first place a concrete pier under the column
and then add a concrete spread footing.

1. Select the Concrete Column tool from the

Structural Elements group on the Structural tab of
the ribbon.

2. Change the catalog type to Foundation| Concrete

Pier and select the catalog item Pier: Rectangular
a. Create a Section Name by selecting the
Parametric tab to create a custom size. Set the
Class to Rectangle and create a rectangular
section that is 2:0 x 2:0 [600 mm x 600 mm]

b. Set a few of the DataGroup properties:

Part Definition: Foundations::Footings

ID | Type ID: P1

3. From the catalog item pull-down select Save

Catalog Item As...
a. Name the new catalog item P1 | Concrete Pier
and select OK.

The new catalog item is created and now the active column ready for placement.

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 4. On the Placement ribbon set the following placement properties:
Placement: Centroid

Rotation: 0°

Place By: Length at end 2

Length: 4:0 [1200 mm]

5. Snap to the bottom of the columns. To easily snap

to the ends of structural members you want to
make sure the Default Snap is Keypoint and that
Structural Snaps are toggled On. This is the snap
toggle on the lower left of the interface.

6. Select the column at A1, snapping to the bottom of

the column. The pier will be placed extending 4:0
[1200 mm] below the column.

With the Place Column dialog still open, you can now
create the spread footing.

7. Change the Section Name by selecting the

Parametric tab to create a custom size. Set the
Class to Rectangle. Type in a Width of 5:0 [1500
mm] and a Depth (Length) of 6:0 [2000 mm].

8. Change the following properties:

ID | Type ID: F1

9. From the catalog item pull-down select Save Catalog Item As...
a. Name the new catalog item F1 | Spread Footing and select OK.
The new catalog item is created and now the active footing ready for placement.

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 10. On the Placement ribbon set the following placement properties:
Placement: Centroid

Rotation: Interactive

Place By: Length at end 2

Length: 1:6 [500 mm]

11. Toggle off the ACS Plane and ACS Plane Snap lock so that the footing is not placed on the Ground Floor ACS plane,
but at the bottom of the pier.
12. Select the pier at A1, snapping to the bottom of the pier.
a. Data point again to set the rotation of the spread footing..

The spread footing will be placed extending 1:6 [500 mm] below the pier.

13. Close the Place Column dialog.

14. Select the pier and footing at A1 and copy to each steel column location using the Copy tool.

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 Exercise 3-3: Placing Beams
In this exercise you will start by placing steel beams connecting the steel columns for the platform canopy columns and then place timber
beams to support the sloped roof over the station building.

1. Select the Steel Beam tool from the Structural Elements group on the Structural tab of the
ribbon.

2. From the catalog type Beam | Steel select the catalog item Beams.
a. Select a steel section from the library of shapes pull-down.
Section Name: W10x12 [Standard > BS UB > UB254X102X25]

b. Set a few of the DataGroup properties:

Structural Finish: Painted

ID | Type ID: B1

3. From the catalog item pull-down select Save Catalog Item As...
a. Name the new catalog item B1 | Steel Beam and select OK.
The new catalog item is created and now the active beam ready for placement.

4. Check that the structural snaps are toggled on.

5. Set the Floor Selector to Station > Platform Beam, this will lock the ACS Plane and ACS
Plane Snap. The top of the beam will be placed at this elevation..

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 6. On the Placement ribbon set the following placement properties:
Placement: Top Center

Rotation: 0°

Place By: Two Points

Automatic Coping: On

Coping Options: Cope to any interfering member

a. Snap to the top of the column at A1, data point

(left-click) to accept.

b. Snap to the top of the column at A2, data point

(left-click) to accept.
A beam is placed between the columns and coped
to the columns.

7. Continue to select each column along grid line A to

place beams between each column.

Next you will place timber beams to support the building roof.

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 8. From the Structural Elements group select the
Timber Joist tool.
9. From the catalog type Beam | Timber Joist select
the catalog item Gluelam Beam and set the
following properties.
Section Name: 0:5 1/2X1:6 [150 mm x 400 mm]

Structural Type: Beam

Structural Finish: Sealed

Part Definition: Framing::Gluelam

ID | Type ID: B2

ID | Name (Alternate): Gluelam Timber

10. From the catalog item pull-down select Save

Catalog Item As...
a. Name the new catalog item B2 | Gluelam Beam
and select OK.

The new catalog item is created and now the active

beam ready for placement.

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 11. On the Placement ribbon select:
Placement: Bottom Center

Rotation: 0°

Place By: Two Points

12. Unlock the ACS Plane and ACS Plane Snap lock.

With the ACS Plane and ACS Plane Snap unlocked

the bottom of the beam will be defined by the actual
snapping location, which in this case, will be the top
of the column.

13. Place the beam in the model.

a. Snap to the top of the column at intersection B2.
b. Snap to the top of the column at intersection B3.
c. Snap to the top of the column at B4.
d. Snap to the top of the column at B5.
e. Reset (right-click) to complete the command.
14. Place a second series of Gluelam beams between
the columns at grid intersections C2, C3, C4 and C5.

In the next exercise you will add the roof joists

framing between the main timber beams.

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 Exercise 3-4: Place Wood Joists by Framing Between
In this session we will complete the roof framing over
the station building by adding the joist framing between
the timber beams.

1. From the Structural Elements group select the

Timber Joists at Spacing tool.From the catalog type
Beam | Timber Joist select the catalog item
Gluelam Beam and set the following properties.
Section Name: 0:3 1/2 x 0:9 [100 mm x 250 mm]

Structural Type: Beam

Structural Finish: Sealed

Part Definition: Framing::Gluelam

ID | Type ID: B3

ID | Name (Alternate): Gluelam Timber

2. From the catalog item pull-down select Save

Catalog Item As...
a. Name the new catalog item B3 | Gluelam Beam
and select OK.

The new catalog item is created and now the active

beam ready for placement.

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 3. On the Placement ribbon select:
Placement: Bottom Center

Rotation: 0°

a. Set the Placement Options to Absolute Spacing at 3:0 [1000 mm].

b. Turn on End Members to create members at the ends of the supports.
c. Set the Support Option to By Selected Line, since the placement line of the support members was the bottom center you will want to
select a different edge as the placement for the alignment of the joists, this selection will allow you to do that.

4. Toggle off the Structural Snap, this will allow you to select an edge of the beam rather than automatically snapping to the placement line
of the support beam.

5. Select the supporting members.

a. Snap to the top inside edge of the first beam along grid line B. Data point (left-click) to accept.
b. Snap to the top outside edge of the first beam along grid line C. Data point (left-click) to accept.
Joists are placed at the defined spacing.

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 6. Note that joists are placed at the ends of the support beams, since you do not want to duplicate those end joists with the next placement,
skip the next bay and continue to place joists on the end bay.
7. On the Placement ribbon toggle off
End Members.

8. Place joists on the center bay that was skipped.

a. Snap to the top inside edge of the first beam along grid line B. Data point (left-click) to accept.
b. Snap to the top outside edge of the first beam along grid line C. Data point (left-click) to accept.
Joists are placed at the defined spacing.

In the next exercise you will modify the ends of the timber beams and joists so that they cantilever beyond the column lines to support the roof
overhang.

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 Exercise 3-5: Modifying Structural Elements
The design process is not static, the building design is often modified and enhanced as the model is built and drawings are prepared. Since
elements in the model include not only their physical geometry, but also additional data and information in the form of DataGroup properties, it
is usually preferable to modify an existing element rather then rebuild the element.

The geometry of structural elements can be modified by selecting the element and using the handles or using one of the modification tools,
like Modify Member End, Modify Curved Beam or Extend Form. In addition, the data on structural elements, or any building element for that
matter, can be modified using the Modify Properties tool.

1. Open the Links tab on the Explorer. You will

use the Explorer to add the architectural
model as a reference so that you can
coordinate the structural framing with the
architectural model.

a. Navigate to the Project Tree > Building

Models > Design Models.
b. Select the Architectural Model and drag
and drop it into any view.

c. Use the Attachment Method

Recommended.

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 Note that the building mass was extended beyond
the column line, you will need to cantilever the
beams and add more framing. You can also
assume the sloped roof will overhang the building
mass and therefore you need to extend the framing
out to support the roof overhang.

First you will modify the ends of the timber beams

so that they extend beyond the columns to support
the building extension and roof overhang.

2. Select the beam. The handles are visible.

a. Drag the end handle out to the edge of the building mass, use the AccuDraw shortcut O to reset the compass.
b. Extend the beam another 2:0 [600 mm] for the roof overhang.
c. Data point (left-click) to accept.

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 3. Select the next beam and extend by the same length, simply snapping to the endpoint of the
first beam.
4. Repeat for the other end of the building.
If you have a number of elements to modify by the same distance you might prefer to use the
Modify Member End or Extend Form tool.

5. Select the Extend Form tool.

a. Set the Method to Add Distance, set the Distance to 3:0 [900 mm].
b. Data point to one end of the joist that needs to be extended.
c. Continue to modify the joists ends until all the joists have been extended on both sides of
the building.
6. Copy the last member on each side, to extend the framing over the building extension.

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 These modifications can also be made to columns. You will modify the columns and piers at the platform canopy so that the pier becomes
a visual base for the column.

7. Select the Extend Form tool.

a. Set the Method to Add Distance, set the Distance to -1:6 [-500 mm].
b. Select the base of each of the C1 steel columns at the platform canopy.

8. Change the Distance to 1:6 [500 mm] and extend the concrete piers up to create a visual base for the columns.
In addition to modifying the geometry of elements, it is also necessary to modify the properties of elements. This is done with the Modify
Properties tool.

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 9. In the Explorer dialog select the Items tab. Note that items are now showing grouped by
their DataGroup properties.
a. Expand the Beam | Timber Joist type.
Note: The count of each catalog item is shown in parenthesis.
b. Expand the Beam | Timber Joist - B2 | Gluelam Beam catalog item to show each
individual member in the model, if you select a member in the Explorer dialog it will be
selected and highlighted in the model.
10. Collapse the list again and just select the Beam | Timber Joist - B2 | Gluelam Beam
heading all of the beam members will be selected in the model.

11. Collapse the list further to select all the Beam | Timber Joist items in the model.
a. Select the Modify Properties tool from the Common Tools.

b. In the Select Building Component dialog set the Catalog Type filter to All and select
OK.

c. In the Modify Instance Data dialog change the Structural | Material to Timber >
Douglas Fir. This will modify only this property for all the items selected.
d. Data point (left-click) in any view to accept.

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 12. Open the References dialog and Display Off the Architectural Model.
a. Toggle On the setting Ignore While Live Nesting. This will prevent this reference attachment from nesting with the structural model
when it is referenced to another model.

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 Exercise 3-6: Reviewing Structural Drawings
Now that you have the basic structural elements placed in the model you can review some of the output available from the model such as
drawings. In this exercise you will learn how to open the drawing views to review the drawing information.

1. Select the View Group FOUNDATION PLAN from the Manage View Groups
tools on the lower right of the interface.

The FOUNDATION PLAN drawing model will open. This plan is a cut view
of the model referenced to this drawing.

2. Zoom into one of the footings.

The line color, weight and symbology are all determined by the Family and Part assigned to each element.

The column, pier and footing are all labeled based on the ID | Type ID property and size that were assigned when placing the elements.
Structural rules are used to extract this information from the model and use it in the drawing annotations. While structural rules can
automate much of the drawing annotation additional annotations such as notes and dimensions would be added in this drawing model
using standard text and dimension placement tools found on the Drawing tab of the ribbon.

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 3. Select the View Group ROOF FRAMING PLAN. The ROOF FRAMING PLAN drawing model is opened.
4. Zoom into the columns and beams that frame the platform canopy.

Note that structural rules are not only used to add the annotation,
but in the case of the steel beam it is re-symbolized to a single line
representation. In fact, additional information is extracted from the
model, the Top of Steel (T.O.S.) annotation is not a property you
input, but simply calculated from the beams position in the model.

5. Select the View Group Sheet 1. This will open the model of the
Sheet. This is a sheet model with a border file attached and each of
the drawing models referenced and arranged on the sheet ready for
plotting.
In this chapter, Chapter 3: Modeling Structural Elements, you have
modeled the basic structural framing for the station building and
canopy. You have modeled, columns, beams and footings and
coordinated their placement with the conceptual architectural
model, making the necessary modifications. The geometry and
information that was modeled in the 3D model is now reflected in
the 2D drawings. In the next chapter you will model the architectural
elements of the station building.

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 Chapter 4. Modeling Architectural Elements
Now that you have created a structural model with the basic structural framing, it is time to go back to the architectural model and place actual
building elements rather than just blocking forms. You will now replace the forms placed earlier with intelligent objects like walls door and
windows. These objects are also part of the DataGroup catalog system and can hold a great deal of information, not only graphical data like
height and width, but meta data such as type ID’s or numbers, materials, fire rating, and manufacturer or model number.

Lets go back and review the design sketch. We can see

that the design includes a brick exterior wall with a lot of
glass, glass storefront, glass doors, and a number of
clerestory windows. There are also exposed columns
and beams and a sloped metal roof. As you place the
walls, doors and windows in the next several exercises
you will also add data or information about each object
as it is placed.

1. Start OpenBuildings Designer from the Start menu

or desktop shortcut.

WorkSpace: OpenBuildings Training

WorkSet: Station Building_US [Station

Building_NM]

2. Select the file A_StationModel.dgn from the list of

Recent Files. The file will open.

Optional - If you did not complete the exercises in the

previous chapters and would like a completed model to
start the exercises in Chapter 4, use the Browse icon to
browse to the Station Building_US / X_Milestones folder
and open the file A_StationModel_4.dgn.

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 In order to begin you should reference in the structural model for coordination.

3. Open the Links tab on the Explorer. You will

use the Explorer to add the structural model
as a reference so that you can coordinate the
architectural elements with the structural
framing.

a. Navigate to the Project Tree > Building

Models > Design Models.
b. Select the Structural Model and drag and
drop it into any view.
c. Use the Attachment Method
Recommended.
Optional - If you did not complete the exercises in
the previous chapters and would like a completed
structural model to reference, navigate to the
Project Tree > Milestone Models > Milestone
Models and select the Structural Model
[S_StationModel-4.dgn]

You are ready to start the exercises for Chapter 4: Modeling Architectural Elements.

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 Exercise 4-1: Placing Walls
In this exercise you will select a wall type from the library and place it in the model using the same techniques used to place lines and shapes.

1. Set the Floor Selector to the Station >

GROUND FLOOR.
2. Select the Wall tool from the Architectural
Elements group on the Architectural tab on the ribbon.
3. Select a wall item type, *Proj | Brick + Stone + CMU and set properties.
Height: 12:0 [4000 mm]

This is a compound wall, meaning it is made up of multiple layers of different parts. For
example, the primary layer is concrete block with additional layers of brick, stone, metal
panels and gypsum. This wall catalog item was created for the project and stored in the
WorkSet.

4. On the Placement tab on the ribbon select:

Place By: Line

Placement: Center Justify

a. Toggle On Close Wall and Auto Connect.

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 5. Place the wall in the model.
a. Start the wall by snapping to the base of the building form at one corner. Data point (Left-click) to accept.
b. For the next point snap to the next corner moving in a counter-clockwise manner. Data point (Left-click) to accept.
c. For the next point snap to the next corner. Data point (Left-click) to accept.
d. Reset (right-click) to close the shape and complete the wall.

Now that you have placed the wall, you may want to delete the building form.

6. Select the form, right-press to pull up a context sensitive list of modification tools and select Delete.

The walls placed have an implied relationship, so that if you move one wall the adjacent walls will be adjusted. In the next several steps
you will move the front and back wall to expose the structural columns.

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 7. Tap the space bar to activate the ribbon popup
menu. Select the Move tool.
8. Select the wall along grid line C.
9. With the AccuDraw compass in the Top orientation
move the cursor along the Y-Axis and move the
selected wall 1:4 [500 mm] towards grid line B,
exposing the columns along grid line C.

Note that the adjacent walls have also been

modified.

10. Repeat with the opposite wall moving it 1:4 [500

mm] in the same direction, this time exposing the
columns on the interior of the station building.

In this exercise you have selected a wall type from the

library and placed it in the model and then made some
simple modifications to see that walls have an implied
relationship to other walls and will maintain that
relationship when modified.

In the next session you will add the sloped roof and then
modify the height of the walls to meet the sloped roof.

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 Exercise 4-2: Placing Sloped Roof
In this exercise you will add the sloped roof over the station building. This requires drawing a closed shape representing the bottom edge of
the roof then using the Roof tool to build the thickness and slope. The roof will be built in several layers to represent exposed wood decking,
insulation and a flat seam metal roof.

1. Set the Floor Selector to the Station >

Roof.
2. Set the Family and Part to General::Construction.
Hint: You may need to t oggle Off Compound to
select the Family and Part.

3. Tap the space bar to activate the ribbon popup

menu. Select the Place Block tool.

Method: Orthogonal

a. Select one corner of the brick wall as the first

point for the block shape.

b. Select the diagonal corner of the brick wall as

the second point.

Note: The shape should be created at the roof

elevation.

4. Tap the space bar to activate the ribbon popup

menu. Select the Move Parallel tool.
Mode: Miter

Distance: 2:0 [600 mm]

a. Select the rectangle and move parallel to

represent the roof overhang.

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 The overhang at the front and back can be modified to
align with the timber joists.

5. Select the shape and use one of the corner handles

to drag the shape to the edge of the timber joists at
both the front and back of the building.

Hint: Toggle off the Structural Snaps so that you

can snap to the top edge of the timber joist.

The shape represents the bottom edge of the roof. In

order to make sure this shape is at the same elevation
as the wood joists that support the roof you may need to
move it in a Side view.

6. Hint: Unlock the ACS Plane and ACS Plane Snap

lock, so that you can move the shape vertically.

7. Rotate view 3 to a Left Side orientation.

8. Zoom in to the end of the joist.
9. Tap the space bar to activate the ribbon popup menu. Select the Move tool.
a. Select the edge of the shape as the point to move from.
b. Use S to rotate the compass to a side orientation, then use the Enter key to lock the
direction.
c. Snap to the top end of the joist and data point (Left-click) to accept.

You will now build the roof up in layers starting with the bottom layer which is a wood decking.

10. From the Architectural Elements group select

the Roof tool.

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 11. Select the catalog item *Roof | Wood Decking
Note: The slope can be controlled by Rise and
Run, Angle or Percentage.

Slope Control: Rise : Run

Slope: 3:12

Thickness: 0:1 1/2 [40 mm]

Part Definition: Roof::Wood Decking

12. Set the placement options on the ribbon.

Roof Type: Gable

Base Offset: 0:0

Place By: Shape

Place From: Bottom

a. Delete Constructions should be toggled off. The

shape will be used again for the other layers of
the roof.
13. Follow the prompts in the lower left.
a. Select the shape for the roof.
b. Select the side of the shape along the platform
as the side to apply slope to.

c. Reset (right-click) to place the roof.

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 14. With the Roof Builder dialog still open change the
catalog item to *Roof | Insulation.
Note: The Thickness of this layer is 0:4 [100 mm].
a. On the Placement ribbon change the Base
Offset to 0:1 1/2 [40 mm] to offset for the
thickness of the wood decking.

15. Follow the prompts in the lower left.

a. Select the shape for the roof.
b. Select the side of the shape along the platform
as the side to apply slope to.

c. Reset (right-click) to place the roof.

16. With the Roof Builder dialog still open change the
catalog item to *Roof | Flat Seam Metal.

Note: The Thickness of this layer is 0:2 [50 mm].

a. On the Placement ribbon change the Base
Offset to 0:5 1/2 [140 mm] to offset for the
thickness of the wood decking and the
insulation.

b. This is the last layer so toggle on the Delete

Construction option.

17. Follow the prompts in the lower left.

a. Select the shape for the roof.
b. Select the side of the shape along the platform
as the side to apply slope to.

c. Reset (right-click) to place the roof.

In the next exercise you will modify the height of the
exterior walls to match the underside of the sloped roof.

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 Exercise 4-3: Modify Walls
In this exercise you will modify the walls placed previously. Just as with the structural
elements, the wall can be selected and several handles are available to modify the height,
width, base and sides of the wall. Be aware however, that these handles will modify each
layer of the wall independently, not all layers as a group. Note that there are also handles to
flip the wall, which will flip all the wall layers as a group.

There is also a Modify Wall tool. This tool is a combination of 4 tools; Modify Form Height,
Modify Form Base, Modify Form Width and Extend Linear Form. This tool can be used to
modify all the layers of a compound wall as a group or each layer independently. This is
controlled using the Graphic Group lock. When it is locked the layers are treated as a group
and when it is unlocked the layers are treated as independent elements.

1. Select the Modify Wall tool from the Modify group on the Architectural tab of the ribbon. l
a. Select the first tool, Modify Form Height.
b. Set the Method to To Form or Shape.
Note: There are various Methods to modify the height of a wall.
Add Distance—extends the form by the Height setting when the mode is Absolute;
extends the form by the Distance setting when the mode is Relative; extends the form
by a data point when the mode is By Point.

To Imaginary Line—extends the form to an imaginary plane defined by 2 data points.

To Form or Shape—extends a linear form to a selected shape or form.

To Plane (3 Pts)—extends the form to a plane defined by 3 data points.

The Method to To Form or Shape is used here so that the roof form can be used as the form to extend the wall to.

2. In order to extend all the layers of the walls to the roof, toggle on the Graphic Group lock.

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 3. Now follow the prompts in the lower left to select the elements.

a. Select the bottom layer of the roof as the form to

connect to.

b. Data point (left-click) in the view to accept.

c. Reset (right-click) to continue.
d. Select each of the 4 walls that need to be
extended to the roof form.

In this exercise you have modified the heights of the

station walls to meet the underside of the roof.

Just as with other building elements, the data on the

wall can also be modified using the Modify Properties
tool.

In the next exercise you will place a door in the wall.

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 Exercise 4-4: Placing Doors
Doors are objects that can be selected from the library, modified on the fly, setting the basic size, as well as type, fire rating and other
information needed in the schedule, and then easily placed in the model. In this exercise, you will learn how to load doors that are stored in a
library not immediately visible in the dialog, then modify the properties and save a version in the project WorkSet.

1. Set the Floor Selector to the Station >

GROUND FLOOR.
2. Create a Display Set of the station
building without the platform canopy and roof geometry.

3. Set the View Group to Building Model Back.

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 4. Select Place Door tool from the Architectural ribbon.
Note: The current door catalog has a limited number of
hollow frame metal doors available, there are more doors
stored in additional libraries.

5. From the light bulb pull down select Catalog Item Manager.
This will open the Catalog Editor and the Catalog Item
Manager. The Catalog Editor is the heart of the DataGroup
System and where all the various catalog types and items are
defined. The Catalog Item Manager is used to manage which
catalog items are stored in libraries and which items are
available in the current WorkSet. The right hand field shows
all the doors currently available.

a. Select a Library Source file form the pull-down.

Catalog Type: Door

Library Source: Doors_paz_Sidelites.xml [Doors.xml]

The left field is now populated with all the doors in that library.

b. Scroll down and find HM_Sidelite2 | FullGlass_Double.

This will be a full glass double door with 2 sidelites, one on
each side.

Note: This door is not in the metric Doors.xml, it has already

been added to the WorkSet. You may add a different door if
you wish.

c. Select this door on the left side, then use the arrow button
to move it to the right.

By default it will be moved to the WorkSet. Note that you can

use the up and down arrows on the right to move it to the
WorkSpace or Organization level.

d. Select OK and close the Catalog Editor.

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 6. In the Place Door dialog change the Catalog Item to HM_Sidelite2 | FullGlass_Double
a. In the Preview window select the placement origin for the door.
b. On the Preferences tab, set the Front Offset and the Sense Distance.
Front Offset: 0:4 [100 mm]

Sense Distance: 1:0 [400 mm]

The Front Offset defines a distance that the door frame will be recessed or offset from
the front face of the wall.

The Sense Distance is the distance from the front face of the wall that wall layers will
be cut by the door perforator.

c. On the Door Parameters tab, set the door dimensions.

Width: 6:0 [1800 mm]

Height: 8:00 [2400 mm]

Frame Depth: 0:6 [150 mm]

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 d. On the Identification tab, input a door number and/or door type for the door. This
information can be used to automatically annotate the drawings.
ID |TypeID: D1

ID |ItemID: 01

There are numerous dimensions that can be changed on the fly to change the
geometry of the door. These can then be saved to the library as either a new catalog
item (Save Catolog Item As...) or to update the current catalog item (Save Catalog
Item).

e. Scroll down to Door Dimensions - Extended and change the dimensions that define
the width of the sidelites.

Dimension | Frame Hinge Extension: 1:6 [400mm]

Dimension | Frame Strike Extension: 1:6 [400 mm]

f. Add additional data properties such as a manufacturer and model number. This
information can be harvested from the model when creating schedules.
Manufacturer |Name: ACME Door Co.

Manufacturer |Model No.: 500 WS

You should now save these changes as a new catalog item within your dataset so that you can easily select this door again.

7. From the dialog pull-down select Save Catalog Item As….

a. Name it D1 | Entrance Door with Sidelite and select OK.
This new catalog item is saved to your project WorkSet and will now be available when placing
doors in this WorkSet.

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 You will now place the door in the model at the platform entrance of the station building. You will place two doors centered between
column lines 2 and 3 and 4 and 5.

8. Working in either the Iso view or the Top view, select the exterior brick wall where the door is to be placed. An implied relationship will be
created between this wall and the door.
The next step is to select the placement point along the wall. For this you will use some of the AccuDraw shortcuts learned earlier.

a. Snap to grid line 2, type O on the keyboard to move the AccuDraw compass to the current snap location.
b. Now move the cursor towards column line 3 and use Enter to lock the Axis. Snap to grid line 3.
c. Type / (slash) and then 2 on the keyboard to divide this distance between the two points in half. The cursor moves to the midpoint
between the two grid lines,

d. Data point (left-click) to accept the placement point.

e. Finally, you must determine which way the door swings. Select a point on the exterior of the building so that the doors swing out.

The door is placed.

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 9. Repeat to place a door between grid lines 4 and 5.

10. Place a third door on the front of the building

centered on the front wall.

Once placed a door can be moved and copied.

11. Select the Copy tool then copy the door to each
side creating 3 doors at the front of the building.

In this session you have added an additional door to your dataset by loading it from a library, you have modified the dimensions and
properties of this door and then saved it as a new catalog item in your WorkSet and finally placed the door in the exterior wall.

In the next session you will place windows.

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 Exercise 4-5: Placing Windows
Similar to doors, windows are objects that can be selected from the library, modified on the fly, setting the basic size, as well as type,
manufacturer and other information needed in the schedule, and then save the customizations to the project WorkSet.

1. Set the Floor Selector to the Station > GROUND FLOOR.

2. Select the Place Window tool from the Architectural ribbon.
a. Select a window catalog item from the pull-down.
Catalog Item: W1| Ticket Window

Note: This is a window catalog Item that was already created and saved to this project
Workset.

b. In the preview window select the placement origin for the window.
Note: The window can be placed from either the head or the sill. The selection will
affect the Sill/Head Height setting below.

a. On the Preferences tab, set the Front Offset and the Sense Distance.
Front Offset: 0:4 [100 mm]

Sense Distance: 1:0 [400 mm]

b. Set either the sill or head height based on the origin selected for the cell. This will be
the distance above the active floor level.

Sill/Head Height: 8:2 [2450 mm]

c. On the Window Parameters tab, set the window dimensions.

Dimension | Frame Width: 3:0 [900 mm]

Dimension | Frame Height: 5:0 [1500 mm]

Frame Depth: 0:6 [150 mm]

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 d. On the Identification tab, input a window type for the window.
ID |TypeID: W1

e. Add additional data properties such as a manufacturer and model number. This
information can be harvested from the model when creating schedules.
Manufacturer |Name: ACME Window Co.

Manufacturer |Model No.: 500 SH

3. Place the window in the model at the platform side of the station building.
a. Select the exterior brick wall where the window is to be placed (you can work in any
view).

b. Next select the placement point along the wall, AccuSnap to the midpoint of the wall
and data point (left-click)to accept.

c. Finally, data point (left-click) again to define the exterior side of the window.

The window is placed.

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 4. Copy the window to create additional windows.
a. Select the window and right-press, select Copy
from the pop-up menu. Copy the window to the
right a distance of 4’-6” [1500 mm] two times.

b. Select the window again and right-press, select

Copy from the pop-up menu. Copy the window
to the left a distance of 4’-6” [1500 mm] two
times.
You should now have 5 ticket windows placed in the
center bay along the platform.

In the next you will place glass and aluminum storefront

using the Curtain Wall tool.

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 Exercise 4-6: Placing Curtain Wall
The Curtain Wall tool allows you to place, modify and manipulate Place Curtain Wall element types, that include Curtain Wall, Storefront,
Ribbon Window, and Punched Opening. They can be placed as linear (by line), arcs, curved, along drawing elements, and by shape on an
elevation. Once placed they can be manipulated further by moving, or copying selected mullions across panels to create a desired pattern.

Unlike doors and windows, curtain wall is a system rather than an object, it is made up of panels and frames both of which have data and can
be scheduled. In this exercise you will select a storefront system and place it in the model in order to create the storefront on the front entry of
the station building.

1. Set the Floor Selector to the Station > GROUND FLOOR.

2. Set the View Group back to Building Model and create a
Displayset including just the 4 exterior walls.

3. Select the Curtain Wall tool from the Architectural ribbon.

4. Select Catalog Item *Proj | Storefront. This is a pre-defined storefront system set up for
the project.

Review and/or modify the curtain wall parameters listed below.

a. Select the Curtain Wall Type – Sets the type of the curtain wall being placed:
Curtain Wall Type: Storefront

b. Set the Sense Distance.

Sense Distance: 1:0 [300 mm]

c. Set the Mullion Continuity. This determines how the mullions and frame are joined.
Mullion Continuity: Continuous Vertical with Continuous Frame

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 d. The Horizontal | Vertical Layout, Justification, Number and Spacing - are all options
that determine how the mullions are spaced both in the horizontal and vertical
direction. These values will determine the initial geometry of the panel.

Layout | Horizontal Layout: Fixed Distance

Layout | Horizontal Justification: Bottom

Layout | Horizontal Pattern: Bottom

Layout | Horizontal Pattern Spacing: 2; 6 [600; 1800]

Layout | Vertical Layout: Fixed Distance

Layout | Vertical Justification: Center

Layout | Vertical Spacing: 3:0 [900]

These values will create a storefront window system that has horizontal mullions at a 2:0 [600
mm] then 6:0 [1800 mm] spacing and vertical mullions that are equally spaced at 3:0 [900
mm].

5. On the Placement ribbon set the following:

Place By: Line

Height: 8:2 [2450 mm]

Placement: Right Justify

Side Offset: 0:4 [100 mm]

Direction: Left

The Right Justify placement puts the placement line for the curtain wall on the outside face of the frame, so you will draw the placement line
along the face of the brick wall. The Side Offset of 0:4 [or 100 mm] will offset it from the face by 0:4 matching the door and window placement
earlier.

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 Placing the curtain wall is similar to placing a wall. You will draw a line defining the placement line of the curtain wall, the difference is that
it will behave like a window or door perforating walls that it comes into contact with.

a. Snap to the intersection of the wall and grid line 2, type O on the keyboard to move the AccuDraw compass to the current snap
location.
b. Move the cursor towards grid line 3 and use Enter to lock the Axis.
c. Type in 1:6 [750mm] to move the cursor from the column line and then data point (left-click) to select this as the start point.
d. Move the cursor towards grid line 3 and use Enter to lock the Axis.
e. Type in 15:0 [4500 mm] and then data point (left-click) to select this as the end point.
f. Reset (right-click) to complete the command and place the length of curtain wall.

6. Repeat to place additional sections of the storefront at the opposite bay along the front of the building.

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 In this session you have learned how to place curtain
wall using the By Line method.

For an additional challenge you can place additional

curtain wall above the brick on the front face of the
station building as a clerestory.

7. Use the catalog item *Proj | Clerestory with a

Height of 5:0 [1500 mm].

a. Set the Floor Selector to the Station > Canopy/

Clerestory level. Then place to match the door
and storefront openings below.

In the next exercise you will modify the curtain wall

sections placed.

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 Exercise 4-7: Modifying Curtain Wall
Once placed, the curtain wall system can be easily modified. Curtain Wall mullions and panels can be selected individually. When selected the
panel will display a single edit (grip) handle at the center and a mullion will display 3 edit (grip) handles, one at each end and one in the center.
Each mullion is provided with a toolbar equipped with edit tools used to manipulate a curtain wall assembly. You can thus easily add or remove
the entire mullion after placing, or partially omit individual, vertical or horizontal mullions.

Delete/Delete Line—removes the selected mullion/line of mullions or panel boundary,

thereby merges it with the adjacent mullion panel.

Move/Move Line—moves the selected mullion/line of mullions or panel to the data point
defined on other segment of curtain wall.

Copy/Copy Line—copies the selected mullion/ine of mullions or panel to the data point at
destination dividing the mullion panels.

Toggle Visibility/Toggle Line Visibility—makes the current mullion/line of mullions or

panel of the curtain wall invisible, effecting a clear opening.

Toggle Base Curve Visibility—makes the base line/curve/arc the curtain wall is drawn
from visible, selectable to manipulate.

Tip: The visible base curve can be selected and when displaced or reoriented, the associated curtain wall assembly will follow.

1. Select the mullion left of the center of the storefront.

a. Move the mouse over the grip on the center of the mullion.
b. Select the Move Line icon.
c. Move the line of mullion to the center of the next bay to the left snapping to the
midpoint of the horizontal mullion.

d. Data point (left-click) to accept.

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 2. Select the mullion right of the center of the storefront.
a. Move the mouse over the grip on the right vertical mullion.
b. Select the Move Line icon.
c. Move the line of mullion to the center of the next bay to the right snapping to the
midpoint of the horizontal mullion.
d. Data point (left-click) to accept.

3. Select one of the mullions just moved.

a. Move the mouse over the grip on the right vertical mullion.
b. Select the Copy Line icon.
c. Copy the line of mullion to the center of the center bay snapping to the midpoint of the
horizontal mullion.

d. Data point (left-click) to accept.

4. Select the horizontal mullion on one of the narrow panel.

a. Move the mouse over the grip on the center of the horizontal mullion.
b. Select the Delete icon.
c. Data point (left-click) to accept.
d. Repeat for the opposite narrow panel.

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 Modify Properties
5. Select one of the narrow panels where you might like a spandrel
panel.

a. Move the mouse over the center grip on the panel.

b. Select the Modify Properties icon.
c. In the Modify Curtain Wall Sub Element dialog change the
panel type from *Proj | Glazing Type 1 to *Proj | Spandrel
Metal Panel Type 1.
d. Data point (left-click) to accept.

Continue to modify panel properties to design the

desired pattern of the storefront panels.

In the next exercise you will review the architectural

drawings to see how they have changed with the
addition of the walls, doors, windows and curtain wall.

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 Exercise 4-8: Reviewing Architectural Drawings
It is important that you understand the difference between what is viewed in the model and what is re-symbolized in the drawing. In this
exercise you will review the output from the model and note the objects like doors and windows are re-symbolized in the plan drawing.

1. From the Manage View Groups tools on the lower right of the interface
select the View Group pull-down.

a. Select the View Group Drawing 1. This will open the model of the
PLAN drawing.

Note: The architectural drawing also includes the structural elements

since we have the 3D structural model referenced to the 3D architectural
model, making it part of the cut view of the model that is referenced here
to the drawing.

2. Zoom into the exterior wall.

Note: The brick and block layers of the wall have been re-symbolized to
show standard hatching patterns for these materials.

Line weights have been modified to show the elements that are cut versus
shown in a forward view. This resymbolization is based on the Family and
Part assigned to these elements.

Elements in the back view, elements above the cut plane, have been re-
symbolized with a dashed line style.

Doors are shown with a 2D graphic showing the door is open. Doors and
windows have annotation showing the door type that was assigned when
they were placed in the model. If that property is changed in the model it
would automatically change the annotation on the drawing.

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 3. Select the View Group Drawing 2. This will open the model of the CROSS
SECTION drawing.
Note: The walls are re-symbolized here in the same way they were re-
symbolized in the plan. In the forward view a pattern has been added to
show the masonry block on the interior face of the wall. Again this is
based on the render material defined by the family and part.

4. Select the View Group Drawing 3. This will open the model of the FRONT
ELEVATION drawing.

5. Select the View Group Drawing 4. This will open the model of the
PLATFORM ELEVATION drawing.
6. Select the View Group Sheet 1 to view the current status of the sheet.

The drawings now reflect the current state of the 3D model, they have come a
long way from the conceptual drawings viewed earlier.

In this chapter, Chapter 4: Modeling Architectural Elements, you have modeled the architectural exterior of the station building. You have
modeled the exterior walls and a sloped roof coordinated with the structural framing.You have then added doors, windows and curtain wall.
The geometry and information that was modeled in the 3D model is now reflected in the 2D drawings.

In the next chapter you will work on the interior of the station building, starting with a space layout, adding the toilet rooms, casework for the
ticketing area and furniture and equipment.

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 Chapter 5. Spaces, Finishes and Content
Now that you have modeled the basic architectural shell and structural framing it is time
to move into the interior of the building model. One of the primary steps on the interior
model will be to add spaces to the model so that data, including area and finishes, can
be tracked.

The layout is fairly simple, You will need a ticketing area opposite the front entry,
restrooms to either side and a lobby or waiting area in between. In the next series of
exercises you will place spaces in the model, add the restrooms by placing an assembly,
add casework for the ticketing area and then equipment and furnishings. Finally, you will
review all the data and add a furniture and equipment schedule to the drawings.

1. Start OpenBuildings Designer from the Start menu

or desktop shortcut.

WorkSpace: OpenBuildings Training

WorkSet: Station Building_US [Station

Building_NM]

2. Select the file A_StationModel.dgn from the list of

Recent Files. The file will open.

Optional - If you did not complete the exercises in the

previous chapters and would like a completed model to
start the exercises in Chapter 5, use the Browse icon to
browse to the Station Building_US / X_Milestones folder
and open the file A_StationModel_5.dgn.

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 Exercise 5-1: Spaces
The Space tool in OpenBuildings Designer is used for space planning activities. The tool is used to draw, locate, identify, and label individual
spaces such as rooms, or logically related spaces such as departments that are identified by a name and/or number. Spaces can be drawn or
placed prior to the creation of walls for the purposes of space planning based on a space program. Walls can then be created from the space
shapes.

In this exercise you will lay out the basic spaces that make up the station program. You will start by adding the ticketing area, then the
restrooms and a few small storage areas. You will then use the spaces defined to create the interior walls.

1. Set the Floor Selector to the Station >

GROUND FLOOR.
2. Set the View Group back to Building
Model and create a Displayset of the station building.
3. Select the Space tool from Architectural Elements group on the Architectural ribbon.
4. On the Placement ribbon set the Place By method to Draw
Rectangle.
When using the method Draw Rectangle you can set the actual
area so that it matches the programmed area ensuring that the
initial rectangle you place is locked to that area. Once placed it can
be modified and adjusted.

b. Set the catalog item to *Proj | Station Area.

Label: TICKETING

Space Number: 101

Ceiling Height: 8:0 [2400 mm]

Area | Program: 150 s.f. [15 m2]

Area | Actual: 150 s.f. [15 m2]

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 5. Place a rectangle from grid line 3 to grid line 4.

A space tag is added to the model to indicate the space name, number and area. This will be re-annotated on the drawing.

6. Select the space and use handles to adjust the width by 1:0 [300 mm] on each side. Then adjust the bottom downward by 0:6 [150 mm]
to adjust the area.

Note: The Programmed Area in the tag remains as it was defined when placed, but the Actual Area updates to show the area of the
revised space.

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 7. Place the next space using the same catalog item *Proj | Station Area.
Label: MENS TOILET

Space Number: 102

Ceiling Height: 8:0 [2400 mm]

Area | Program: 92 s.f. [9 m2]

Area | Actual: 92 s.f. [9 m2]

Note: The Space Number should have automatically incremented from 101 to 102.
a. Snap to the left corner, use the AccuDraw shortcut key-in RZ to rotate the compass for
placement so that the X-axis is vertical.
b. Use AccuDraw to define the width of the space as 8:0 [2400 mm] along the side of the
building.

c. Data point (left-click) to accept and place the space.

d. Select the Move tool and move the platform door to the right 3:0 [900 mm] to make
room for the new space.

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 8. Place the next space using the same catalog item *Proj | Station Area.
Label: WOMENS TOILET

Space Number: 103

Ceiling Height: 8:0 [2400 mm]

Area | Program: 92 s.f. [8.5 m2]

Area | Actual: 92 s.f. [8.5 m2]

a. Place in right corner, use RZ to rotate the compass for placement.

b. Move the platform doors to the right to make room for the new space.
Now lets create some storage areas on the left and right side. This time you will set the Actual Area to 0, which will allow you to place the
rectangular shape at any size.

9. Place the next space using the same catalog item

*Proj | Station Area
Label: STORAGE

Space Number: 104

Ceiling Height: 8:0 [2400 mm]

Area | Program: 50 s.f. [5 m2]

Area | Actual: 0 s.f. [0 m2]

a. Place two storage spaces adjacent to each of

the toilet rooms using two points.
There should now be 5 spaces.

Now that you have laid out the basic arrangement of

spaces you can actually use those spaces to create the
interior walls.

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 10. Select the Wall tool from the Architectural Elements group.
a. Set the catalog item to CMU-08 | NR [Block-140 | NRl]
Height: 8:0 [2400 mm]

This is a single layer wall, meaning it is a single form that represents one or more
construction materials, in this case an 8” [140 mm] concrete masonry unit.

11. On the Placement tab on the ribbon select:

Place By: From Space

Justification: Left Justify

b. Select each of the spaces.

Walls are created for each space. Walls should only be
created where an adjacent wall is not found.

When the walls were created the spaces were re-

flooded to allow for the walls. The Spaces are now
actually associated with the walls so that if the wall is
moved the space will modify as well. Go back to the
Ticketing space, note that the side walls are clashing
with the steel columns.

12. Use the Move tool to move each of the side walls at
the Ticketing area in by 0:4 [100 mm].

Note: The space boundary has changed and the

Actual Area has been updated.

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 Now that you have the basic layout lets place the final space for the Waiting Area. This time you will just Flood the area.

13. Select the Space tool from Architectural Elements group on the Architectural ribbon.
a. Set the catalog item to *Proj | Station Area
Label: WAITING

Space Number: 100

Ceiling Height: 12:0 [3500 mm]

Area | Program: 850 s.f. [85 m2]

b. On the Placement ribbon

Place By: Flood

Toggle On Associative.

c. Data point (left-click) within the area to be

flooded.
d. Data point (left-click) to accept.
e. Reset (right- click) to finish.
In this exercise you have placed spaces in the 3D model
that are initially used to track the program and actual
areas, but can also be used to track additional room
data such as occupancy type and finishes. Those
spaces were then used to quickly create the interior
walls for the station building. In the next exercise you
will add the toilet room layouts by placing an
Architectural Assembly.

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 Exercise 5-2: Place Architectural Assembly
In this exercise you will use the Place Assembly tool to place a toilet layout from the Assembly library. An Assembly is a group of components
stored in a library that can be selected and placed in the model. Once placed the components behave as if they were placed individually.
These can be useful for many things, but architecturally they are particularly useful for common layouts that are used over and over again in
models, such as furniture groupings, toilet room layouts or anything that includes multiple items that have a relationship such as a bank of
elevators or escalators.

1. Set the Floor Selector to the Station >

GROUND FLOOR.
2. Set the View Group back to Building
Model and create a Displayset of the station building.
3. Select the Place Assembly tool from Assembly Builder group on the Architectural ribbon.
Discipline: Architectural

Assembly Name: Toilet-Womens-2

4. Place in Womens Toilet space by selecting the upper right corner of the space and then a second
data point to determine the rotation.

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 The Assembly included a vestibule area that was not
accounted for in our space layout. Adjust walls around
the placed assembly elements to create the vestibule
for the Womens toilet and reduce the size of the
Storage space.

5. Use the Copy tool to copy the wall between the

Toilet room and the Storage room to the edge of
the vestibule.

6. Use the Connect tool to clean up the walls.

Once the walls are adjusted, The Update Space tool

can be used to redefine the space boundary. In order
to accurately update a space the tag must be within
the area to be flooded.

7. Use the Move tool to move Storage space to centerof new room.
8. Select the Update Space tool from the Architectural Elements
group.

a. Select the Storage space, data point (left-click) to accept.

b. Select the Womens Toilet space, data point (left-click) to
accept.

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 9. Select the Place Assembly tool from Assembly Builder group on the Architectural ribbon.
Discipline: Architectural

Assembly Name: Toilet-Mens-2

10. Place in Mens Toilet space by selecting the upper right corner of the space and then a second data
point to determine the rotation.
a. This Assembly will have to be placed outside the space and then use the Mirror tool to mirror
the components into the space.

11. Adjust the walls and update the spaces.

In the next exercise you will once again use the door and window tools to add the interior doors for the restrooms, a cased opening for the
ticket counter and window sills on the ticket windows.

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 Exercise 5-3: Interior Openings
In this session we will review placing doors and windows, this time using some of the settings that assist with the placement on interiors.

1. Set the Floor Selector to the Station >

GROUND FLOOR.
2. Set the View Group back to Building
Model and create a Displayset of the station building.
3. Select the Door tool from Architectural Elements group on the Architectural ribbon.
4. In the Place Door dialog change the Catalog Item to HM_Masonry | Flush
a. Set the placement point to the hinge side of the frame.
b. Set the following Door Parameters:
Width: 3:0 [900 mm]

Height: 7:0 [2100]

Dimension | Frame Depth Match Wall: On

c. Set the Identification:

ID | Type ID: D2

5. From the dialog pull-down select Save Catalog Item As…. and save the door as D2 |
Flush
6. On the Placement ribbon set the Side Offset to 0:4 [100 mm].

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 7. Place the door at the Toilet Rooms.
a. Select the wall where the door is to be placed.
b. Data point (left-click) at the wall intersection to define the placement point. The door will be offset 0:4 [100 mm] from this point.
c. Data point (left-click) again to determine which side of the placement point to offset.
d. Data point (left-click) a third time to define the rotation and swing direction.

8. In the Place Door dialog change the Width to 2:4 [700 mm] and the Leaf1Angle to 45°.
a. Place a door at each Storage area.

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 Placing a Door with a Feature
9. In the Place Door dialog change the Catalog Item to HM_Masonry | Half Glass
a. Set the placement point to the hinge side of the frame.
b. Set the following Door Parameters:
Width: 3:0 [900 mm]

Height: 7:0 [2100 mm]

Dimension | Frame Depth Match Wall: On

c. Set the Identification:

ID | Type ID: D3

d. Scroll down to Door Dimesnions - Extended. These properties control the glass
feature in the door.
Dimension Feature 1 | Width: 0:8 [200 mm]

e. From the dialog pull-down select Save Catalog Item As…. and save the door as D3 |
Half GLass-Narrow View
10. On the Placement ribbon set the Side Offset to 0:4 [100 mm].
11. Place this door at either side of the Ticketing.

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 Placing a Cased Opening
12. Set the catalog item to WD | Cased Opening.
a. Set the placement point to the center of the opening.
b. Set the following Door Parameters:
Width: 21:0 [7000 mm]

Height: 7:0 [2100 mm]

Dimension | Frame Depth Match Wall: On

13. On the Placement ribbon set the Side Offset to 0:0.

14. Place the opening in the front wall of the ticketing area.
a. Select the front wall of the Ticketing area.
b. Data point (left-click) at the center of the wall to define the placement point.
c. Data point (left-click) again to place.

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 Placing a Window Sill
15. Select the Window tool from Architectural Elements group on the Architectural ribbon.
16. In the Place Window dialog change the Catalog Item to _Sill Wood.
a. Set the placement point to the hinge side of the frame.
b. Set the following Door Parameters:
Front Offset: 0:0.

Sense Distance: 0:1 [25 mm] - This is to ensure that only the first layer of the wall is
perforated for the sill, not all the layers, such as the exterior brick.

Sill Height: 3:2 [950 mm] - This should match the bottom of the window.

Frame Width: 3:0 [900 mm] - This should match the width of the window.

Frame Height: 0:1 [25 mm] - This will be the thickness of the sill.

Extension Length: 0:1 [25 mm] - This is the dimension that the sill extends beyond the
width of the window.

SillFace Offset: 0:1 [25 mm] - This is the amount the sill extends beyond the face of
the wall.

Slope Angle: 0° - This would only be used if we needed the sill to slope as might be
the case on an exterior sill.

Wall Depth: 0: 7 5/8 [200 mm]. - This is the depth the sill will extend into the wall
under the window.

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 17. Place the sill.
a. Select the wall.
b. Data point (left-click) to select the center of the window as the placement point.
c. Data point (left-click) again on the interior side of the wall to indicate the direction of the sill.

In this exercise you have added interior doors, a cased opening and window sills to the interior of the Station building.

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 Exercise 5-4: Casework and Trim
In this exercise you will complete the ticketing area by adding casework detail. You will add some under counter cabinets from the casework
library and a wood counter and trim using the profile tool.

1. Set the Floor Selector to the Station >

GROUND FLOOR.
2. Set the View Group back to Building
Model and create a Displayset of the station building.
3. Select the Casework tool from the Architectural Elements group on the Architectural
ribbon.
4. Select a base cabinet to place under a counter; Base | Frameless 2 Drawers.
5. Select a placement point.
6. Set the Width, Height and Depth of the cabinet.
Width: 1:6 [600 mm]

Height: 2:7 [775 mm]

Depth: 1:0 [300 mm]

Note: The base cabinets are placed 0:4 [100 mm] above the floor plane to allow for a
base.

Note: In the metric dataset the placement points are on the front edge of the cabinet so
you will need to set the Depth Offset to match the Depth value.

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 7. Place the cabinet.
a. Select the face of the wall.
b. Data point (Left-click) to define the position along the
wall.

8. Continue to place cabinets or copy the one already

placed.

Placing Counters using a Profile

To place the ticket counter you will use the Profile tool. The
profile tool uses a 2D shape stored in a cell library, and extrudes it along a path, similar to placing a wall. DataGroup properties are added to
each profile so they have intelligent data and can be scheduled if necessary,

9. Select the Profile tool from the Architectural Elements group on the Architectural ribbon.
10. Select the catalog item Proj | Ticket Counter.
a. On the Placement ribbon set the Place By method to Line and the Base Offset to 3:1
[925 mm]. This will be the height of the counter.

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 11. Place the profile.
a. Select the start point for the counter at the
intersection of the back wall and side wall. The
AccuDraw compass should be in a Top Orientation.

Note: The Flip State in the Properties dialog can be

toggled to change the direction of the profile.

b. Draw the placement line along the back wall.

The ticket counter in the cased opening will need a knee

wall to support the counter.

12. Place a *Default Interior Wall* with a height of 3:0

[900 mm] projecting 1:0 [300 mm] to support a counter
in the cased opening.

Note: It may be necessary to change the Sense Distance

on the Cased Opening to just 0:1/2 [15 mm] so that the
perforator only cuts through the masonry wall and not the
knee wall which is only projected out from the opening by a
few inches.

13. Draw a second counter along the outer edge of the

knee wall.

This counter needs some trim on the exposed front edge.

Again we can use the profile tool for this.

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 14. Change the catalog item to Proj | Ticket Counter Edge.
a. Change the Base Offset to 0:0.
b. Unlock the ACS Plane and ACS Plane Snap locks.
15. Place this profile by tracing the counter edge.

In this exercise you have added casework details to the architectural interior using both the CaseWork tool and the Profile tool. In the next
exercise you will add additional content, such as furniture and equipment to finish out the interior.

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 Exercise 5-5: Furniture and Equipment
While BIM Models are a great tool for modeling the architecture of a building in order to generate plans, schedules and 3D views, they can
also be a great tool for tracking furnishings and equipment.

In this exercise you will use the Object tool to place furniture and equipment in the architectural model.

1. Set the Floor Selector to the Station >

GROUND FLOOR.
2. Set the View Group back to Building
Model and create a Displayset of the station building.
3. Select the Object tool from the Architectural Elements group on the Architectural ribbon.
The Object tool is used to place objects in the model. Each catalog item is linked to some
type of cell, static or parametric, and various DataGroup definitions that create the
properties that can be tracked with each item. Note the number of different catalog types
that can be selected with this tool. The Type determines the properties that will be
available.

a. Set the Catalog Type to Equipment Station.

b. Set the Catalog Item to Bench_Seating_PBS002 . This is an example of a non-
parametric cell, but note that is does have 2D Plan symbology that will display in the
drawing plan view.

c. Set the ID | Type ID to F1.

d. Add assitional properties, such as the Manufacturer | Name.

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 4. Place a few benches in the model within the Waiting
Area.

5. In the Place Object dialog, change the Catalog Type to

Equipment | Ticketing and Fare Control.
a. Select the Catalog Item Ticket Dispenser Kiosk Wall Mounted TKW001.This is also
an example of a non-parametric cell with 2D plan symbology, but it also has a
perforator like a door or window, so that it can be recessed into a wall.

b. Set the ID | Type ID to T1.

6. On the Placement ribbon set the Base Offset to 3:0 [900 mm] to determine the
placement height in the wall.

7. Place one in each wall to either side of the ticket counter.

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 8. Continue to place furniture and equipment to finish the interior of the station.

In the next exercise you will create a schedule of the equipment and furnishings and place it on the drawing.

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 Exercise 5-6: Annotation and Schedules
This course has been very focused on building the 3D model and adding data to that model. As a designer it is very desirable to work in the
3D environment so that you can visualize exactly what you are designing as you are working. Ultimately the information in the model shows
up in the drawings and on schedules. In this exercise you will go back to the drawing plan view and study the information that can be used to
annotate the drawings and schedules.

1. From the Manage View Groups tools on the lower right of the interface
select the View Group pull-down.

a. Select the View Group Drawing 1. This will open the model of the
PLAN drawing.

Automatic Annotation
Note that the plan is now annotated with Room Names and Door
Numbers. These are automatically generated from the DataGroup
Properties on each object and rules set for the drawing. Additional annotations could be generated for other items and other properties.

Once generated the annotations will update with changes to the model
properties. Additionally they can be moved if necessary, for the readability
of the drawing.

2. Select one of the STORAGE room labels and right-press, select Move
from the pop-up menu.

a. Move the label so that it does not overlap the door and door number.
b. Move the door number so that it does not overlap the door.
c. Repeat for any other annotations that need to be moved.

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 Linework can be hidden if something is shown from the model that you
would prefer was not shown on the drawing.

3. Right-press on a footing outline and select Hide Cached Element.

Note: Copy/Hide Cached Element copies the element or selection set into
the master file and hides the cached element or selection set. You can
then manipulate the copied elements.

Schedules
OpenBuildings Designer has a Schedule tool which is used to query existing
catalog item data, create new schedules (e.g. door, wall, beam, space, duct,
etc) from existing catalog types, and manage reports for new catalog
definitions, catalog items and catalog instances within existing reports.

User defined catalog types and data information is also created, displayed,
updated and exported from here. Schedules facilitates completion of many
data management tasks including the export of data to several formats and
the creation of selection sets for edits, manipulations, and modifications of any size.

4. Select the Schedules tool from the Reports group on the Data/Reporting ribbon. The Schedule dialog will open.

Note there is a filter that is set to Show Used so that we are only seeing catalog types that are
used in our current model.

If you expand a Catalog Type, you will find one or more layouts. These are saved layouts of
particular properties that you want to see in schedule. These can be customized and saved
based on your standards.

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 5. Select the Casework Schedule.

Each of the base cabinets that you placed in the model is listed here along with the properties. Note, that while you have changed
properties on items in the model using the Modify Properties tool, you can also edit properties here in the schedule and those properties
will be changed on each item in the model.

a. Select all the base cabinets listed in the right hand field.
b. Right-press in the ID | Type ID [ID | Asset Tag] property and select Edit Values.
c. Type in CW1 as the Type ID.That information has now been added to each cabinet in the model.
6. Review the Plumbing Fixture Schedule, these items and the data were added when you placed the Toilet Room Assemblies.

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 Note under Spaces there are two schedule layouts. One is just extracting program areas, the other is a finish schedule, where finishes
can be added for each room or space.

Under the Transportation folder you will find the various equipment you may have added to the model.

Schedules can also be created to include multiple catalog types, this works well when they share many of the same properties, such as
the transportation equipment and furnishings.

7. Scroll down to Multi-Catagory Schedules and select the Furniture/Equipment Schedule.

Note that on this schedule Items are only listed once with the count given for the number of each item in the model. Also it indicates the
space where the item is placed.

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 8. To place the current schedule on the drawing go to Place Table > From Schedule.

a. Select a Seed, such as Grey Theme Table.

b. Toggle on Retain Association, so that the table can be updated when changes are made to the model.
c. Place the table on the drawing.

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 9. Open the sheet model to see that the schedule is now visible on the sheet.

The model and drawings have come a long way since you started the conceptual model.

The one item you still need to model is the platform canopy. In the next chapter you will apply some of the skills you have learned throughout
this course and model a custom glass canopy with tapered wood members.

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 Chapter 6. Advanced Modeling - The Roof Canopy
Throughout this course you have learned a number of basic
modeling tools and techniques to model standard architectural
and structural elements. You have built a simple model of a
simple building. Of course, designs are not always standard or
simple, in fact they are often not standard at all. Lets look at
some of sketches for the platform roof canopy. Note that the
designer is suggesting to use tapered wood columns and
beams supporting a glass panel roof. Each side of the
platform canopy slopes at different angles and in fact he wants
to jog the edge of the canopy to follow the curb line where the
buses disembark.

In the next series of exercises you will use tools and techniques
you have learned in this course in conjunction with more
advanced modeling techniques to model the custom platform
roof canopy.

1. Start OpenBuildings Designer from the Start menu

or desktop shortcut.

WorkSpace: OpenBuildings Training

WorkSet: Station Building_US [Station

Building_NM]

2. Select the file S_StationModel.dgn from the list of

Recent Files. The file will open.

Optional - If you did not complete the exercises in the

previous chapters and would like a completed model to
start the exercises in Chapter 6, use the Browse icon to
browse to the Station Building_US / X_Milestones folder
and open the file S_StationModel-6.dgn.

You are ready to start the exercises for Chapter 6:

Advanced Modeling - The Roof Canopy.

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 Exercise 6-1: Placing Plates
In this exercise you will be introduced to some more detailed modeling. In Chapter 3: Modeling Structural Elements you placed some standard
steel columns and beams to support the platform canopy. You will use that as the base support and then add tapered wood columns and
beams and attach them to the steel column. In order to make this attachment you will want some plates, so in this session you will add several
different types of plates to the model.

1. Create a DisplaySet of the columns, beams and

footings that make up the canopy support.

Base Plates
You will start with a simple detail, adding a base plate
for each of the steel columns.

2. Select the Base Plate tool from the Structural

Elements group on the Structural ribbon.

a. Set the Catalog Item to 1 1/2” base plate [32

mm base plate].

b. On the Placement ribbon set the following:

Baseplate Type: Standard Baseplate

Grout Thickness: 0:1 1/4 [30 mm]

Length: 1:10 [550 mm]

Width: 1:10 [550 mm]

c. Unlock the ACS Plane and ACS Plane Snap

lock and toggle on the Structural Snaps.

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 d. Select the bottom of each steel column.
The base plate is placed, offset for the
grout thickness and the column is
trimmed to meet the base plate.

Plates
Now you will add additional plates on the column that will be used to support the tapered wood members. This time you will actually draw the
shape of the plate using AccuDraw.

3. Select the Plate tool from the Structural Elements group on the
Structural ribbon.Set the Catalog Item to 1/4" plate [6 mm plate].

Rather than simply use the Rectangle by Single Point Place By

method, you will switch it to Points. This will give you more
control over the placement of the plate.

Place By: Points

Length: Bottom

Thickness: 0:0 1/4 [6 mm]

a. Turn off the structural snap so that you can snap to any keypoint
on the steel member.

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 4. Place the plate in the model.
a. Snap to the bottom center of the face of
the column.

b. Using AccuDraw select the next point

0:8 [200 mm] in the X direction and type
S to rotate the compass to a Side
orientation. Data point (left-click) to
accept.
c. Continue to define points to create a
plate that is 1:4 x 0:8 [400 mm x 200
mm] on the front face of the column
flange.

5. Copy the plate up the face of the column to the underside of the beam.
6. Mirror both plates to the opposite side of the column.
You should now have 4 plates attached to the column, these will be used to
help support the tapered wood members. You will complete the entire
assembly for one column and then create a structural assembly to place the
same assembly of components at the other columns.

Bent Plates (Challenge)

For an additional challenge you can use the Plate tool to create the support
between the steel column and the timber gluelam beams supporting the
station roof.

7. Clear the current DisplaySet and create a new DisplaySet of one steel
column and the timber gluelam beam that support the station building
roof.

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 8. Select the End Plate tool from the Structural Elements
group on the Structural ribbon.
a. Set the Catalog Item to 1/4" Plate.
b. Set the Layout to Automatic.
Length: 2:0 [600 mm]

Width: 0:5 1/2 [150 mm]

Thickness: 0:0 1/4 [6 mm]

9. Select the Steel column, then select the timber beam.

A plate is created between the column and beam. Mow you can
add a flange to both sides of the plate to create the support.

10. Select the Add Flanges tool from the Structural Elements
group on the Structural ribbon.

a. Set the following:

Flange Length: 1:0 [300 mm]

Bent Radius: 0:1/4 [6 mm]

Bend Angle: -90°

b. Select Add Flange Using Parameters.

c. Select each long edge of the plate.
11. Repeat at each column.

In this exercise you have placed base plates for columns,

connection plates and added flanges to a plate to create a bent
plate support.

In the next exercise you will add the tapered timber members
for the canopy support.

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 Exercise 5-1: Placing Tapered Columns and Beams
In this exercise you will model tapered wood columns and beams for the roof canopy supports.

1. Open the Reference dialog and display on the A_StationModel.dgn reference file.
2. Make a DisplaySet of the column, beam, footing and plates at grid line A1.

Tapered Columns
3. Select the Tapered Column tool from the Structural Elements group on the Structural
ribbon.

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 a. Set the Catalog Type to Column | Timber Post and the Catolg Item to
*Proj | Gluelam Tapered Post.
Section Name: 3 1/2 x 1:4 [100 mm x 400 mm]

Start Height: 0:8 [200 mm]

End Height: 1:4 [400 mm]

b. On the Placement ribbon set the following:

Placement: Top Center

Rotation: Interactive

Place By: Length at End 1

Length: 10:0 [3000 mm]

You will initially place the column at the center of the steel column, then
move it more precisely into position.

4. Toggle on the Structural Snaps and unlock the ACS Plane and ACS
Plane Snap lock

5. Snap to the base of the column and data point (left-click) to accept.
a. Data point again to define the rotation. The first column is placed.
6. Set the rotation back to Interactive on the Placement ribbon, and then
place a second column rotating the column in the opposite direction.
7. Use the Move tool to move each column 0:2 1/2 [65 mm] away from the
center of the column, creating a 0:5 [130 mm] gap between the columns.

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 Tapered Beams
8. Select the Tapered Beam tool from the Structural
Elements group on the Structural ribbon.

a. Set the Catalog Type to Beam | Timber Joist

and the Catalog Item to *Proj | Gluelam
Tapered Beam.
Section Name: 3 1/2 x 1:4 [100 mm x 400 mm]

Start Height: 1:4 [400 mm]

End Height: 0:8 [200 mm]

b. On the Placement ribbon set the following:

Placement: Top Center

Place By: Two Points

Rotation: 0:0

9. Place the longer beam.

a. Using the structural snap, select a start
point at the top center edge of the
column.

b. Rotate compass to side. Type RE to

rotate to element and select the angled
canopy from Architectural model.

c. Type enter to lock axis, and input a

distance of 10:0 [3000 mm]. Data point
(left-click) to accept.

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 10. In the Place Tapered Beam dialog change the settings for the second beam. This beam
is shorter, so the End Height is adjusted to create the same taper.
Start Height: 1:4 [400 mm]

Start Height: 0:10 [250 mm]

11. Place the shorter beam. select top of column.

a. Using the structural snap, select a start point at the top center edge of the column.
b. Rotate compass to side. Type RE to rotate to element and select the angled canopy
from Architectural model.

a. Type enter to lock axis, and input a distance of 7:6 [2250 mm]. Data point (left-click)
to accept.
12. Use Connect Shapes tool to miter the connection between the column and beam.

You have now modeled the tapered columns and beams, but this is still not
exactly what is designed in the sketch, you need to create a double set of
columns and beams.

You will move the tapered columns and beams to one face of the steel
column, and then copy them to the other face of the steel column.

13. Make a selection set of both columns and beams.

14. Use the Move tool to move everything to the face of the plate created
earlier.
15. Use the Copy tool to copy everything to the face of the plate on the
opposite side of the column.

To complete the tapered columns and beams you will embed a plate at the
mitered connection.

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 16. Select the Plate tool from the Structural Elements group on the Structural ribbon.
a. Set the Catalog Item to 1/4" plate [6mm plate].
b. On the Placement ribbon set the following:
Place By: Points

Place From: Middle

17. Place a shape at the center of the beam and column connection, using AccuDraw to get all the angles correct.

a. Select the top center of the column for the start point.Type RE to rotate compass to the beam angle and define a distance of 1:4 [400
mm]. Data point (left-click) to accept.
b. Move to a Side view. With the compass still rotated to match the beam, type E to rotate the compass 90° from its current plane. Move
the cursor perpendicular to the top of the beam and use Enter to lock this angle. Type N to set the snap to Nearest and move your
cursor over the bottom edge of the beam, this will be the intersection of the projected locked angle. Data point (left-click) to accept.
c. Type I to set the snap to Intersection and snap to the intersection of the column and beam. Data point (left-click) to accept.
d. Type RE to rotate compass to the tapered edge of the column and define a distance of 0:4 [100 mm]. Data point (left-click) to accept.
e. Type S to rotate the compass back to the Side orientation with the X and Y axis aligned with the view, then use Enter to lock the axis
and define the distance by snapping to the straight edge of the column.

f. Complete the plate by snapping back to the start point.

The plate is embedded in the middle of the column and beam joint.

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 18. Create a second plate for the second column and beam.
19. Once both plates are created copy them to the other column and beam.
You have now completed the canopy support assembly.

In this exercise you placed tapered beams and columns precisely where you wanted them in
the model. Now that one support is finished you can group the components into an
Assembly so that it is saved to a library, allowing you to explore other options.

In the next exercise you will create an Assembly, modify this design to create a second
alternate assembly and then place the selected assembly at each column location.

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 Exercise 6-3: Creating Structural Assemblies
The assembly Builder is used to assemble a selected group of components into a distinct assembly, and save it for placement at any time. A
minimum of two elements must be selected to activate the tool. There are no restrictions to the types components selected. Components
belonging to an assembly, once placed behave as if they were placed individually.

In this exercise you will group the tapered columns and beams along with the supporting plates as an assembly for placement later. Then you
will modify the tapered columns and beams to create an alternate condition and save that as an alternate Assembly. Once finished you can
choose which Assembly to place in your model.

1. Create a Selection Set of the 4 tapered wood

columns and the 4 tapered wood beams along with
the supporting plates. Do not include the steel
column.

2. Select the Create Assembly tool from the Assembly

Builder group on the Structural ribbon.
Assembly Name: CanopySupport Alt 1

Destination: WorkSet

Discipline: Structural

File Name: Structural.cel

3. Select Define Placement Point.

4. Using the structural snap select th bottom of the
steel column. Select OK.
Note: Make sure to snap to the bottom of the steel
column and not a tapered wood post.

The Assembly is created.

Delete the selected elements.

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 5. Select the Place Assembly tool from the Assembly Builder group
on the Structural ribbon.
6. Select the Assembly created, CanopySupport Alt1.
7. Place the Assembly by snapping to the base of the steel column,
then rotating the assembly into position, be careful that the shorter
beam is facing towards the station building. Data point (left-click)
to accept.

8. Repeat at each column.

In this exercise you have created a structural assembly, added it to the
library and then placed the structural assembly multiple times in the
model.

In the next exercise you will finish the structure for the roof canopy by
adding purlins to support the glass panels.

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 Exercise 6-4: Framing Purlins
In this exercise you will add steel purlins spanning between the wood supports. You will want to pay attention the spacing of the purlins as well
as their rotation so that they sit correctly on the wood supports.

You will first create the framing on the first three bays, then you can copy it to the remaining bays since the spacing repeats.

1. Select the Steel Framing tool from the Structural Elements group on the Structural
ribbon.

a. Set the Catalog Item to P1 | Purlins. This is a tube purlin already created for this
project and in the WorkSet library.
b. Set the Placement options:

Placement: Bottom Center

Rotation: 0

Aligned: On - This will rotate the purlin to the slope of the wood member.

Automatic Coping: Off

Number of Members: 1

End Members: On - This will create end members at both ends of the support.

Support Options: By Insert Line - The placement line of the supporting member.

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 c. Select the first support
d. Select the second support..

Three framing members are placed between the two supports.

2. Repeat for the first three bays on both sides of the steel beam. After that the spacing
repeats and you will be able to copy the completed framing when finished.

3. In the Side view select each set of end members and move away from the end by a
distance of 0:6 [150 mm]. so that the members are not centered on the ends of the wood
beams.

Now you will add additional framing between these purlins, these are the members that will
actually support the glass panels.

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 4. Select the Steel Framing tool from the Structural Elements group on the Structural
ribbon.
a. Set the Catalog Item to P2 | Purlins. This is a T Shape that will support the glass
panels of the roof canopy.

b. Set the Placement options:

Placement: Bottom Center

Rotation: 0

Maximum Spacing: 6:0 [2000 mm]

End Members: On - This will create end members at both ends of the support.

Support Options: By Selected Line

c. Select the outside edge of the first support member.

d. Select the outside edge of the second support member.

Note: Select the member nearest the valley

between the two roofs first. This will then be
the start point of the purlin which might be
important later when modifying the purlin.

Repeat for each bay.

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 Now that the members are placed you will make some modifications to model exactly what you want the design to be.

5. Select the Extend Form tool.

a. Set the Method to Add Distance.
b. Set the Distance to 0:6 [150 mm].
c. Select each end of the square tubes to extend
them over the gap between the wood supports.

For the T purlins, you will change the length of the

member so that it extends beyond the last purlin so that
it supports the glass panels which are longer than the
wood supports.

6. Select all the T shapes on the shorter side of the

canopy.
7. Select the Modify Properties tool.
a. Change the Length property to 9:0 [2700 mm].
b. Data point in the view to accept.
8. Select all the T shapes on the longer side of the
canopy.

9. Select the Modify Properties tool.

a. Change the Length property to 10:6 [3150 mm].
b. Data point in the view to accept.

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 Next you will trim the T Supports where they meet at the valley
between the two sides of the canopy. You want the edge of these
members to align with the vertical edge of the wood column.

10. Use the Extend Form tool to extend each member so that it can be
trimmed or cut back.

Method: Add Distance

Distance: 0:6 [150 mm]

11. In the Side view draw construction lines from the edge of the wood
member vertically upwards.

12. Select the Cut Solids by Curve tool from

the Modify Forms group on the Forms tab.

Cut Direction: Both

Mode: Through

Keep Profile: Off

13. Working in the Side view select all the

purlins on one side of the canopy.

a. Select the trim line.

b. Data point (left-click) to preview the
trim, then data point (left-click) to
accept. All the members are trimmed.

14. Repeat for the purlins on the other side of

the canopy.

Note: The cut does not have to be a simple

straight line. Any profile or closed shape can
be used to trim a structural member.

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 Finally, you will select all the purlins that were placed and copy them to the remaining bays.

15. Select the Items tab on the Explorer dialog. Expand Beam | Steel.
c. Select all the P1 | Purlins and P2 | Purlins.
16. Tap the Space bar and select the Copy tool.
a. Copy all the selected members to the remaining bays.

In this exercise you have placed purlins using the framing between tool. You then modified those members to achieve the design intent. In the
next exercise you will re-open the architectural model and add the glass canopy.

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 Exercise 6-5: Modeling Glass Panels from a Shape
The conceptual roof shapes have been used as a place holder in the model. They represent the glass canopy, but are not an intelligent object
that could be scheduled and quantified. In this exercise you will panelize the roof form into intelligent glass panels using the roof shapes.

1. Open the Architectural model, A_StationModel.dgn, from

the Links tab on the Explorer.

2. Create a Displayset of the canopy structure, glass shapes

and the curb slab

You will use the place holder shapes to create intelligent glass
panels. Prior to creating the panels, you will go through several
steps to get the shapes correctly sized and positioned in the
model. For the first step you will modify the panels so that there
is a gap between each panel that aligns with the gap between
the wood supports. You can easily do this by using the Move
Parallel tool to modify each shape.
3. Tap the Space bar and select the Move Parallel tool.
a. Set the Distance to 0:5 [125 mm].
b. Select each shape and move inwards the set distance.
Note: You may wish to delete the construction lines drawn
earlier so that you can identify the shapes in the Side View.

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 Next you will move the shapes so that they are the correct distance above the purlins. The shape will represent the centerline of the glass, so
you will move the shape so that it is 0:3/4 [20 mm] above the purlins allowing for a narrow mullion and edge frame around the glass.

4. Create a Selection Set of all the shapes on one side of the

butterfly canopy.
Hint: If the shapes and purlins are overlapping, it might be easier
to create a selection set in the Side view that includes both the
shapes and the purlins, then expand the Element Selection dialog,
select the Level tab and toggle the selection of fthe S-BEAM-PURL
level. This will remove the purlins from the selection set.

5. Tap the Space bar and select the Move tool.

a. Select a start point at the end of the shape and use RE to rotate
the AccuDraw compass to the slope of the shape.

b. Move the cursor towards the top of the purlin, use Enter to lock
the axis. Snap to the top of the purlin, and type O to reset the
AccuDraw origin.

c. Use Enter to lock the axis and move a distance of 0:3/4 [20 mm]. Data point (left-click) to accept.
d. Move the selected shapes again along the slope so that the end of the shapes align with the end of the purlins.

6. Repeat these steps for the other side of the canopy.

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 Now that the shapes are correctly positioned relative to the
structural purlins you will adjust the length of the panel shapes.
You will start with the straight side.

7. Select the first shape and use a corner handle to extend

the shape to be 10:0 [3000 mm] along the beam.

Note: Once the first shape is extended the remaining

shapes can just be extended to match the adjacent shape.

Next you will create the sawtooth edge on the front of the
canopy. You will start by creating a construction line indicating
the edge geometry.

8. Set the Family and Part to General Constructions Dashed.

9. Tap the Space bar and use the Move Parallel tool to copy
the curb edge out by 2:6 [1000 mm].

This will create a closed complex shape.

10. Select the Drop Complex Status tool from the Common
Tools and select the shape to drop the shape to line
segments.

11. Delete the rounded corners so that the only the line
segments are left. Delete all segments that are not at the
front curb edge.

12. Select the Trim to Intersection tool from the Common

Tools and connect the remaining line segments.
13. Use the Create Complex Chain tool to chain them back
together as a single element.

a. Set the Method to Automatic.

b. Select the first line segment and it will automatically chain the adjacent line segments.

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 Now you will adjust the shapes to the new construction line.

14. Working in the Top view, select the first shape.

a. Select the handle on the first vertex. Press the Alt key on the
keyboard and move the vertex to the intersection of the construction
line.

Note: The Alt key toggles between moving just the vertex or the entire
edge of the shape.

15. Repeat for each vertex.

Note: In some cases there will not be an intersection to snap to,
because the construction line is beyond the existing shape. In this case,
use the Enter key to lock the Axis, then use a Nearest snap to the
construction line to find the projected intersection. Data point (left-click)
to accept.

Once all the shapes are adjusted you will be ready to use the Curtain Wall
tool to create the glass panels.

16. Select the Curtain Wall tool from the Architectural Elements group on
the Architectural ribbon.
a. Set the Catalog Item to *Proj | Glass Canopy.
b. The Layout | Horizontal Number should be set to 3. This should
match the purlin spacing.
c. On the Placement ribbon set the Place By method to From Shape.

d. Set the Justification to Center, again this means the centerline of the
glass panel.
e. Toggle on Delete Path. This will delete the place holder shapes.

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 17. Select each shape. Data point (left-click) to accept.
18. For the wider shapes change the Layout | Horizontal
Number on the curtain wall dialog to 5.

Note: If the layout of the panels need to be adjusted after

creation there are modification tools on the ribbon move, rotate
and flip the panel arrangement.

In this exercise you have created

a glass canopy using shapes and
the curtain wall tool. You carefully
modified the shapes to align with
the structure and the curb edge
of the drop zone.

In the next exercise you will add

one final detail to the roof
canopy, which is the gutter that
runs between the two sides. You
will create a custom profile for
this gutter.

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 Exercise 6-6: Create a Profile
In this exercise you will create a custom profile for the gutter, link it to a DataGroup catalog Item, then place it in the model using the Profile
tool. The first step will be to draw the 2D shape or profile that will be extruded to create the gutter.

For this you may wish to work in the Side view, or you can open the 2D drawing view and work there.

1. Select the View Group Drawing 2. This will open the model of the CROSS SECTION drawing.
2. Set the Family and Part to General::Default.
3. Tap the Space bar and select the Place SmartLine tool to place a SmartLine.
a. From the top of a purlin, go down 1:0 [300 mm], across to the other wood beam, and back up another 1:0 [300 mm] matching the other
side.

4. Use the Move Parallel tool, to copy the SmartLine by 0:1/4 [6mm].
5. Draw 2 small lines to connect the ends of the smart lines.

6. Use the Create Complex Shape tool to automatically chain the line segments together into a closed shape.

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 Now that you have a 2D shape you can create the profile cell. This is created the same way you would create any MicroStation or
OpenBuildings cell.

First you will need an origin, this will determine the placement line when placing the profile in the model, so you want to think about the
geometry that you might want to snap to as a guide. For instance, you could use the top corner of the tapered wood members, or find the
center point between them.

7. Select the Define Cell Origin tool from the Cells

group on the Drawing tab.

a. Select a point at the midpoint between each wood

member, cross hairs will be placed in the model.
8. Select the closed shape.
9. Open the Cell Manager from the Cells group on the
Drawing tab.

a. From the Files pull-down select the Profiles-

projectUS.cel [Profiles-projectNM.cel] library.
10. Select the Create tool.
a. Add a Name and Description for the new profile
cell and select Create.
The profile cell is now part of the WorkSet library.
The next step is to create an item in the DataGroup
system so that this profile can be placed as a linear
form using the Profile tool and the correct data is
attached to it.

11. Close the Cell Manager and delete the cell

geometry.

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 Next you will link the newly created cell to the Profile tool and the DataGroup System.

12. From the Data Reporting tab open the Catalog Editor.

The Catalog Editor is used to manage all the various catalog types and catalog items. New catalog items can be added here in the catalog
editor.

13. Expand the Architectural group and select the

Profile Catalog Type.
a. Right press and select New Catalog Item.
b. Give it the name *Proj | Canopy Gutter.
c. Set the Destination to the WorkSet.
d. Accept the default File Name and select OK.
The new catalog Item is created. It includes a number of
properties which can be defined here or on placement.
But the one property that must be defined now is the
Cell Symbol Name.

14. Double-click in the field to the right of Cell Symbol

Name. Select the Profiles-projectUS.cel [Profiles-
projectNM.cel] cell library from the Cell Library drop
down.

a. Then select the Canopy Gutter from the Cell list.

b. Select OK.

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 15. Define the Part Definition. Double-click in the field
to the right of Part Definition and select the Family:
Specialty Roof and the Part: Gutter.
c. Select OK.
d. Select Save and close the Catalog Editor.
16. Navigate back to the Building Model.

You will now place the new profile. You may wish to
draw a construction line between the two wood
members to help in the placement of the gutter profile.

17. Select the Profile tool from the Architectural Elements group on the Architectural ribbon.
a. Select the *Proj | Canopy Gutter Catalog Item.
b. On the Placement ribbon set the Place By method to Line.
c. Toggle off the ACS Plane and ACS Plane Snap lock.
d. Select a start point, then use AccuDraw to place the gutter down the center between
the two groups of roof panels.

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 Once placed a profile can be modified using its handles.

18. Select the gutter profile.

a. Select each end handle and extend the gutter by 2:0 [600 mm].
In this exercise you have created a 2D cell to define a profile, then linked it to
a new DataGroup Catalog Item and finally, you placed the new profile in the
model. You may wish to create additional profiles for the edge of the roof and
the edge of the entry canopy.

Several camera views are already set up in the file.

19. From the View tab, select the Apply Saved View tool.
a. Select the View 'View of Platform' then data point in View 1.

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 Summary
This course was an introduction to 3D BIM modeling with OpenBuildings Designer. You have created a small transportation station starting
with some 3D conceptual modeling, then setting up your BIM environment with floor planes, a structural grid and a site model. You then
created the structural frame for the building and canopy using intelligent columns, beams and footings. Next, you added the architectural shell,
modeling the walls and roof layers over the structural framing. You completed the architectural shell by adding doors, windows and storefront
to the exterior of the building. You then worked on the interior of the station building, adding spaces, interior walls, doors, casework and finally
furniture and equipment.

Finally, you tested your new skills with some advanced modeling exercises, modeling the platform canopy with tapered columns and beams,
steel plates, purlins and custom glass shapes.

Throughout this course you have learned techniques to work effectively in the 3D model. When an element was placed in the model it was
immediately visible in the context of the design environment, but also became the source for the extracted 2D information. That information
took the form of plans, elevations, sections, and schedules. The entire design process, from Schematic Design to documentation, evolved and
originated from the geometry and data in the 3D model. All design revisions were made in the model and the 2D data was automatically
updated.

Bentley is a registered trademark of Bentley Systems, Inc., OpenBuildings Designer is a trademark of Bentley Systems, Inc.

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