Method for Integrating Simulation-Based Support in the Building Design Process

Abstract

This paper presents a proposal for a method to incorporate simulation-based support in the early stages of building design. The aim is to develop a method that can be applied without any drastic interference or modification of prevailing architectural design processes. The simulation-based support consists of results from fast and reliable indoor climate, daylight and energy performance prediction of a design proposal. The performance prediction is embedded in a software platform which is already widely used in the architectural sketching phase. Besides the immediate performance prediction, the method will also provide design advice to improve indoor climate, daylight and energy performance. The paper also presents the outcome from interviews of representatives from five reputable Danish architecture companies. The aim of the interviews was 1) to investigate the state-of-the-art in the use of building simulation tools and collaboration between architects and engineers in the early design stage, and 2) whether the proposed method is desirable for architects. The outcome from the interviews is used to target the further development of the method.