2D to 3D Specification

This 15-minute course offers a comprehensive understanding of '2D to 3D Specification Workflow,' an efficient bridge methodology for transitioning from Better Building's 2D drawing environment to advanced 3D specification capabilities. Through practical demonstration using a commercial building model, participants will learn to leverage existing 2D geometry whilst accessing enhanced 3D visualisation and specification tools for rapid conceptual design workflows.

Key Course Content:

Model Export and Import Fundamentals The course begins by demonstrating the essential workflow of extracting geometric data from completed 2D models through EnergyPlus IDF file download. Participants explore the critical process of accessing model data via project settings, understanding building type selection (proposed vs reference models), and the fundamental principles of file compatibility requirements including EnergyPlus version 22.2 compliance for seamless integration with external modelling platforms such as DesignBuilder.

3D Design Creation and Model Integration A key part of the course delves into the streamlined process of creating new 3D designs within existing projects, understanding the upload interface for various file formats (IDF, GBXML, JSON files), and the automated conversion process that transforms 2D geometric data into fully navigable 3D environments. The session demonstrates the critical importance of proper model validation and the immediate visual feedback available through 3D geometry preview.

Level Detection and Thermal Zone Configuration Critical attention is given to the automated level detection system that identifies building floors from imported geometry data. Participants learn to configure floor tolerance settings (0.1m default), validate detected levels including complex features such as voids and double-height spaces, and understand the relationship between 2D thermal zones and 3D spatial organisation. The course addresses zone editing capabilities and volume override functions for fine-tuning spatial definitions.

Advanced Selection Methods and Tagging Integration The session extensively covers sophisticated selection techniques including individual element selection, control-drag box selection methods, and level-based filtering for efficient bulk operations. Advanced topics include the recreation of tagging systems within 3D environments (tags do not transfer from 2D), strategic tag application for rapid specification distribution, and the powerful combination of filtering tools with tagging for complex building system specification across multiple levels simultaneously.

Comprehensive Building System Specification Participants gain hands-on experience with systematic building envelope specification including wall system specification using level-based selection and tagging distribution, floor and ceiling system configuration across building levels, window and glazing specification for complex facade systems, and door specification for both opaque and glazed elements. The course demonstrates efficient approaches to shading device specification and air boundary configuration between thermal zones.

Conceptual Design Workflow Optimisation Advanced topics include understanding when 3D specification workflows provide maximum efficiency benefits, strategic approaches to rapid conceptual design iteration, effective methods for design presentation and visualisation, and seamless transition pathways from 3D specification back to detailed 2D analysis workflows. The course emphasises the integration of 3D capabilities within broader project delivery timelines.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, participants will be thoroughly equipped to efficiently transition between 2D geometry creation and 3D specification environments, enabling rapid conceptual design workflows whilst maintaining full access to Better Building's comprehensive analysis capabilities.

Course Completion:

A Certificate of Completion will be awarded upon achieving an 80% pass mark on the final quiz.

All courses are available in your Team. Read more.