The introduction of building simulation into an architectural faculty: preliminary findings

Abstract

This article reports the introduction of building simulation into an architectural faculty and its evaluation by students and building design lecturers. The experience was conducted at the Architectural School, Federal University of Paraná – UFPR, in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. The established practice of teaching building physics by combining theory and simplified spreadsheet exercises was replaced by the use of complex 3D modelling and simulation of buildings. In 2005, a first case study was conducted on a third-year class. In 2006, another case study was conducted in parallel with a second-year class and another third-year class, and a more systematic approach was used: first, a simulation software was presented to the students; next, the students were challenged to model and analyse their own building designs; finally, a survey of the students' opinion demonstrated that the simulation task caused them to increase their concern for technical subjects. Finally, in 2008, once again, there was another case study; it was non-systematic and involved a third-year class. Some conclusions can be drawn. Building simulation can be a powerful ally in teaching building physics, raising the students' interest for issues of thermal and acoustical behaviour of buildings. The additional effort of data input required by the adopted software is justified, as students learn to evaluate the effects of their own design choices. However, model complexity and timely effective tutoring are critical variables.