The software the student teams use in the competition is provided by Bentley Systems (https://www.bentley.com/en).  It represents the best design tool suite available to architects and engineering professionals worldwide.

OpenBuildings Designer enables the teams to be as creative and imaginative as professionals are every day.  Importantly, in addition to becoming creative in the design requirements, the competition and the software demands the student teams analyze what they want to accomplish, document the work that is being done, and design and implement a project plan that will assure success.  The software, and the research each team must do, enables the students to develop an understanding of Building Information Modeling (BIM).  An optional element of the competition is to use their own school (Phase 2 of the competition), and the knowledge gained from the competition, to improve the energy performance of their own school.

Michael Andrews, co-creator of the competition, says “I strongly suggest that each student visit the Bentley site:

https://www.bentley.com/en/products/product-line/building-design-software/openbuildings-designer and watch some of the videos.  The work showcased on the site is amazing and inspirational!

The SMART Competition (www.smartcompetition.org) is a global STEM and Career and Technology Education (CTE) education program.  The competition is open to all high school and university students.  The competition is designed to attract all students without regard or bias of gender, race, socio-economic or academic performance level.

For additional information, contact Mike Andrews, m.andrews@smartcompetition.org