Tutorials
These video tutorials are provided on demand to all registered DesignBuilder users free of charge. They mostly last about 10-20 minutes. You will probably learn most effectively by "doing" rather than "watching" so make sure to try out the techniques shown in the tutorials while they are fresh in your mind before moving on to the next tutorial.
Getting Started
The Getting Started tutorials provide an overview of how to create DesignBuilder models and run simulations.
Basic Geometry
The Basic Geometry series of tutorials explain how to create and modify the blocks used to define building geometry in DesignBuilder.
- Introduction to the DesignBuilder user interface
- Creating a model - adding buildings and blocks, drawing guides and snaps
- Adding, moving and cloning blocks, deleting objects, increment snap, check dimensions of existing objects
- Rotate, stretch, drag face and construction line tools
- Adding roofs basics: roof angle conventions, pitched and extruded roofs
- Cut block, use of protractor tool and outline blocks
- Zoning blocks by drawing partitions, zone types and zoning protocols
- Drawing holes, merging zones and creating an atrium
- Adding shading and adjacency modification using component blocks
- Drawing arcs, circular shapes and domes
- Importing 2-D floor plans from DXF and bitmaps to help draw blocks and partitions
- How to create a room in roof
- How to draw dormer windows
- How to model a smaller zone within a larger zone (e.g. an office in a warehouse)
Basic Model Data
The Basic Model Data tutorials show how to set up data on the Activity, Constructions, Openings, Lighting and HVAC model data tabs for EnergyPlus simulations.
Calculations
The Calculations tutorials explain how to set up DesignBuilder EnergyPlus simulations and analyse results.
Natural Ventilation
Other Video Learning Resources