Integrated Design Process Research Articles

The Synergy Between Flood Risk Reduction and Spatial Quality in Coastal Cities

This paper describes the application of a research-by-design approach that aims for a combined approach for spatial quality enhancementand flood risk reduction, with spatial quality as a decisive exante criterion. In order to achieve this, as in the ‘Room for the River’ programme, a dual flood risk and spatial quality objective is set. This research was performed as part of the ‘Atelier for Coastal Quality’, in which The Hague’s seaside area of ‘Scheveningen’ was selected as a case study location.Here, the future reinforcement of the sea barrier could be combined with addressing the challenges of improving spatial quality, among which are: identity, vitality, attractiveness, and connectivity. A research-by-design approach was deployed in which a single parameter was systematically varied (the flood risk intervention) while fixing other parameters (such as the context and the objectives from a spatial and flood risk perspective). After exploring and defining both the flood risk and spatial objectives for the area, three alternative flood risk reduction strategies (based on three alternative interventions: a boulevard, dunes, and a perpendicular dam) for Scheveningen were developed. In order to facilitate the integrated design process, ‘Delta Ateliers’, in which multidisciplinary experts and stakeholders interactively worked together, were successfully deployed. As a result, it became apparent that the inclusion of a prominent spatial objective is not the main key to including spatial quality as an ex-ante decisive criterion in defining flood risk strategies. The three proposed flood risk reduction interventions had all been successfully embedded with regard to meeting the prescribed spatial criteria, thereby disqualifying the spatial aspects as selection criteria for the flood risk intervention. However, as part of the study, a supporting research-by-design exercise was performed in which three different locations for the positioning of the perpendicular dam, were explored from a spatial perspective. Here, it seemed that providing interchangeable (similarly effective) interventions at different locations did result in very different potentials for spatial quality, thus allowing spatial quality to become a decisive selection criterion. The ‘Room for the River’ principle, which appeared essential in order to include spatial quality as a decisive ex-ante criterion, is the creation of alternative exchangeable options for the flood risk reduction interventions at different locations. Based on these findings, the research-by-design approach deployed is extended to not only systematically test different interventions, but to also systematically vary the location of the intervention. The ‘Delta Atelier’ multidisciplinary workshop approach is continued within the remaining research.

Structural semantic 3D modeling technology in the integrated design process

The paper presents an approach to computer-aided design based on a bijective correspondence between product structure and the process of developing its digital 3D model. The approach proposed makes it possible to retain the semantic integrity of a design concept and reduce development time.

An interactive agent-based framework for materialization-informed architectural design

Concepts of swarm intelligence are becoming increasingly relevant in the field of architectural design. An example is the use of agent-based modeling and simulation methods, which can help manage the complexity of building designs that feature many similar, but geometrically unique elements. Apart from leading to effective solutions and expanding the architectural design space, agent-based design methods can also be employed in integrated planning processes, in which the contributions of various disciplines take place in an integrated loop instead of being executed consecutively. We propose a computational framework for architectural design, in which agents represent building elements and/or joints between building elements. Behavior parameters, behavior weighting, and the environment can be modified in real-time while the agent system is running. Additionally, the designer can interact with individual agents directly, while slowing down or pausing agent movement if so desired. In the resulting design approach, the designer can globally adjust behavior parameters, while retaining local control over details where needed. To facilitate an integrative design process, domain-specific data and the results of external analysis can be included, either directly as input for agent behaviors, or by modifying the environment. We illustrate the potential of this computational framework using the example of the design of plate structures and show how this method can lead to quantifiable results while also attaining aesthetic goals. Furthermore, we provide an outlook toward possible further extensions of agent-based design methods in architecture.

Framework for evaluating and optimizing algae façades using closed-loop simulation analysis integrated with BIM

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 40% of U.S. energy was consumed by the building sector in 2015. Among building components, the façade is critical for minimizing cooling load and optimizing thermal comfort. Related to energy efficiency improvements and waste treatment capabilities, algae façades have been studied to improve the performance of building envelopes. In 2013, an algae façade was applied to a building in Germany, but further applications have not been implemented and its feasibility is still questionable. This study presents a framework to explore the critical factors when deploying algae facades in buildings, analyze energy and waste stream encompassing algae facades, and evaluate the performance considering various building contexts. This research aims to present a framework of closed-loop simulation analysis based on Building Information Modeling (BIM). The framework is composed of: 1) the algae façade is integrated in BIM as one of components, 2) closed-loop energy and waste streams are modelled through a system dynamics model (SDM) for evaluating the impact of algae façades and considering by-product recycling, and 3) algae façade data in BIM is retrieved to be used in the SDM. Contributions from this research are related to promoting more integrated design and construction processes by integrating algae façade components in BIM. Energy and waste flows from the algae façade will be evaluated in a more reliable manner through closed-loop simulation analysis. This framework can also contribute to determine feasibility when the algae façade is applied differently in a building and/or applied in various buildings by running the BIM-integrated SDM simulation iteratively.

Buildings with environmental quality management, part 2: Integration of hydronic heating/cooling with thermal mass

The quest for a sustainable built environment brought dramatic changes to architectural design because of the integrated design process. The integrated design process is the modern way to realize “performance architecture,” that is, design with a view to field performance. Integrated design process permits merging of concepts from passive-house designs, solar engineering, and an integration of the building enclosure with mechanical services. In part 1 of this series, the emergence of many new multi-functional materials was discussed. Yet, current innovation is guided by lessons from history. Thermal mass in heavy masonry buildings allowed periodic heating. The authors postulate integration of a hydronic heating system with the walls and the use of smart temperature control of the heating system to modify and optimize the thermal mass contribution. To use the mass of a building, one must accept transient temperature conditions where the indoor temperature varies but is confined by comfort requirements for both summer and winter conditions. On the other side, resiliency requirements dictate that in the absence of electricity the air temperature does not fall below about 12°C over a period of several hours. This requirement implies that summer cooling will likely be separated from the heating systems and that operation of a low-energy building is heavily dependent on the design of smart control systems. Analysis of control systems provided in this article for earth-to-air heat exchangers and cooling of houses with lightweight walls lead us to the requirements of separation between heating and ventilation and needs for different sources of fresh air. Finally, a new concept emerges.

Integrated Process Design and Control: A Review of the Current State-of-the-Art and Research Challenges

Integrated Process Design and Control: A Review of the Current State-of-the-Art and Research Challenges

Problems of Technology of Energy-Saving Buildings and Their Impact on Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Introduction of EPBD in legislation of the EU member states caused that buildings must meet very stringent requirements of thermal protection and energy efficiency. On the basis of EPBD provisions, EU Member States introduce standard of NZEB (Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings). Such activities cause a need for new, innovative materials and technologies, and new approaches to design, construction and retrofitting of buildings. Indispensable is the precise coordination of the design of structure and technical installations of building, which may be provided in an integrated design process in the system BIM. Good coordination and cooperation of all contractors during the construction phase is also necessary. The article presents the problems and the new methodology for the design, construction and use of energy efficient buildings in terms of energy saving technologies, including discussion of the significant impact of the automation of technical installations on the building energy efficiency.

How to Design Buildings, Housing Estates and Towns So That Their Impact On the Environment Will Be Acceptable?

Currently, there is a tendency in architecture to search for solutions implementing the assumptions of the sustainable development paradigm. A number of them are components of architecture, which in the future will certainly affect urban planning and architecture to a much greater extent. On the one hand, an issue of great significance is the need to integrate sustainable system elements with the spatial structure of environmentally friendly architectural facilities and complexes and to determine their influence on design solutions as well as the implementation, operation and recycling, while on the other hand, it is very important to solve the problem of how to design buildings, housing estates and towns so that their impact on the environment will be acceptable, i.e. will not exceed the possibilities of natural environment regeneration and, how to cooperate in interdisciplinary design teams to reach an agreement and acceptance so as to achieve harmony between the built and natural environment, which is a basis of sustainable development. In this broad interdisciplinary context an increasing importance is being attached to design strategies, systems of evaluating designs and buildings as well as tools to support integrated activities in the field of architectural design. The above topics are the subject of research presented in this paper. The basic research aim of the paper is: to look for a current method of solving design tasks within the framework of Integrated Design Process (IDP) using modern design tools and technical possibilities, in the context of sustainable development imperative, including, the optimisation of IDP design strategies regarding the assumptions of conscious creation of sustainable built environment, adjusted to Polish conditions. As a case study used examples of Scandinavian housing settlements, sustainable in a broad context.

Investigating the simultaneous process design and control of a membrane reactor for hydrogen production via methane steam reforming

In the present work, the simultaneous process design and control of a membrane reactor for H2 production via methane steam reforming (MSR) is performed. The problem is stated as a non-linear optimization problem with non-linear constraints, which includes economic and controllability criteria in the objective function. A linear model predictive controller (MPC) is implemented to enforce the desired dynamic performance. Utilizing this methodology two pre-defined process flowsheets for H2 production through the low temperature MSR, utilizing palladium-based membranes, are optimally designed based on economic criteria in the form of annualized capital and operating cost, and controllability criteria, in the form of the sum of squared errors during dynamic transitions. The first flowsheet is consisted of an integrated membrane reactor (IMR), whereas the second flowsheet under consideration is consisted of a cascaded arrangement between a reactor and a membrane module in series (CRM). Several other auxiliary processes such as heat exchangers, splitters, and mixers are employed. Rigorous nonlinear dynamic models have been developed assuming one dimensional transport and pseudo-homogenous conditions in the reaction zone in order to emulate the plant dynamics, whereas a linearized version of it is used by the MPC algorithm. Optimization results demonstrate the ability of the integrated process and control design framework to achieve a superior operating performance for a range of several factors affecting the operating conditions of the reactor.

NZEB Renovation with Prefabricated Modular Panels

The reduction of energy use in buildings is expected to be reached in part by fulfilling several requirements of the low- and nearly-zero energy buildings (nZEB) policy. The improvement of energy performance of buildings offers a huge potential for energy savings as the annual replacement of existing stock is only 1–2%. The efficient way to accomplish the purpose of the nZEB is to apply the integrated design process and application of prefabricated modular renovation elements on a large scale. In the Horizon2020 MORE-CONNECT project we developed prefabricated modular elements for the building envelope insulation and with the use of these elements, the nZEB renovation will be realized as a pilot. The study includes a complex of measures: hygrothermal measurements and analysis of moisture safety, prefabricated highly-insulated facade and roof modular renovation elements, full repair of indoor areas, rebuilding of balconies, insulation of cellar constructions, the full modernization of heating and ventilation systems. Ventilation ducts are integrated into the modular panels to minimize supply ductworks in apartments. Roof modules include solar panels and collectors for renewable energy production as well as a system for rainwater drainage. All technical systems and building modules will be equipped with monitoring systems and data will be logged periodically.

NZEB Renovation of Multi-Storey Building with Prefabricated Modular Panels

Reduction of energy use in buildings in EU is expected to be reached with help of fulfilling of requirements of low and nearly-zero energy buildings (nZEB) policy. The efficient way to accomplish the purpose of the nZEB is to apply the integrated design process, considering the long-term sustainability and building costs as a one setup. The multi-storey large concrete element building is renovated to nZEB as a Horizon2020 MORE-CONNECT project pilot in Tallinn. The study of that project includes complex of measures: hygrothermal measurements and analysis, highly insulated facade and roof elements, the full modernisation of heating and ventilation systems. Ventilation ducts are installed into the modular panels to minimize supply ductworks in apartments. Roof panels include solar panels and collectors for renewable energy production. All technical systems will be equipped with monitoring systems and data will be logged periodically. The designed thermal transmittance is U≤0.11W/m2K for walls, U≤0.10W/m2K for roof and U≤0.80W/m2K for windows and external doors. The analyse, design and renovation process of the integrated nZEB design method gave us a unique experience, showing weak links in the chain and helping to prevent faults in the whole process in the future.

The Development of Conceptual Building Design Technology, Using Quality Function Deployment and Axiomatic Design

Understanding issues early in the integrated design process is important, as this is when designers and engineers are able to have the largest impact on the final product. In this article the technology of conceptual architectural design for low energy buildings is proposed to address this issue. Here two methods – Quality function Deployment and Axiomatic design are used to develop the conception and to eliminate the main disadvantages of traditional building design. The integration of BIM, energy modelling (DesignBuilder) help to highlight the issue of energy efficiency at the early stage of building design, resulting in effective and more to posed requirements orientated design process.

Advanced energy retrofit projects: cross-case analysis of integrated system design

ABSTRACTBuilt environment researchers and practitioners are addressing the current sustainability and energy challenges facing the industry. The shift in building energy and sustainability expectations has led project teams to develop new practices and processes. Owners, project managers, designers and contractors now actively seek opportunities to improve the energy performance of existing buildings through retrofitting. Given that integrated system upgrades result in more significant energy reduction rates than traditional approaches, this study adopted a case-study approach to understand the integrated system design process and its effects on energy-efficiency performance measures in retrofit projects compared to traditional retrofit processes. Within this scope, three retrofit projects with different processes and rate of energy consumption reduction were purposefully selected to meet certain project delivery and system design characteristics. This paper focuses on effects of these characteristics on the collaborative decision-making process and integrated system design. Its main contribution lies in the analysis of critical decisions related to process and performance modelling practices in the delivery of retrofit projects. As a consequence, it was found that while collaborative energy benchmarking and performance goal setting provided a transparent decision-making environment, the review of existing conditions prior to design and the use of historical operational performance data made the iterative energy modelling of an integrated building system design realistic.

DESIGN AND “RESTORATION”: THE ROOTS OF ARCHITECTURE PORJECT FOR THE BUILT

Abstract. It is absolutely essential now to prepare a project of pre-critical understanding of the building which will be the object of action, free from preconceived notions of value, fully committed to the implementation of a variety of useful and indispensable to determine that operating margin and freedom that each architecture has not being linked uniquely to the precise original function. This is the margin that you can leverage to implement the architectural project for the built that mutuerà inside knowledge, conservation and innovation at the same time. The binomials in the lead paragraph as all sides of the same coin that merge into one integrated design process that takes charge of design including those different styles of drafting of survey (in all aspects) of an existing architecture.

A simulation-optimization approach to integrate process design and planning decisions under technical and market uncertainties: A case from the chemical-pharmaceutical industry

This study addresses the product-launch planning problem in the chemical-pharmaceutical industry under technical and market uncertainties, and considering resource limitations associated to the need of processing in the same plant products under development and products in commercialization. A novel approach is developed by combining a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model and a Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) procedure, to deal with the integrated process design and production planning decisions during the New Product Development (NPD) phase. The Monte Carlo simulation framework was designed as a two-step sampling procedure based on Bernoulli and Normal distributions. Results show the unquestionable influence of the uncertainty parameters on the decision variables and objective function, thus highlighting the inherent risks associated to the deterministic models. Process designs and scale-ups that maximize expected profit were determined, providing a valuable knowledge frame to support the long-term decision-making process, and enabling earlier and better decisions during NPD.

Association of design and computational fluid dynamics simulation intent in flow control product optimization

Computational fluid dynamics has been extensively used for fluid flow simulation and thus guiding the flow control device design. However, computational fluid dynamics simulation requires explicit geometry input and complicated solver setup, which is a barrier in case of the cyclic computer-aided design/computational fluid dynamics integrated design process. Tedious human interventions are inevitable to make up the gap. To fix this issue, this work proposed a theoretical framework where the computational fluid dynamics solver setup can be intelligently assisted by the simulation intent capture. Two feature concepts, the fluid physics feature and the dynamic physics feature, have been defined to support the simulation intent capture. A prototype has been developed for the computer-aided design/computational fluid dynamics integrated design implementation without the need of human intervention, where the design intent and computational fluid dynamics simulation intent are associated seamlessly. An outflow control device used in the steam-assisted gravity drainage process is studied using this prototype, and the target performance of the device is effectively optimized.

Integração de tecnologias CAD/CAE/CAM no ateliê de arquitetura: Uma aplicação no projeto de edifícios altos

Este artigo descreve uma disciplina de ateliê do 9º semestre do curso de Arquitetura e Urbanismo da Universidade Estadual de Campinas – Unicamp – em que foi adotada uma estratégia de projeto paramétrico e baseado em desempenho para o desenvolvimento de edifícios altos. A disciplina envolveu o uso de programas de análise ambiental e estrutural, além da modelagem paramétrica e algorítmica como maneira de incorporar os resultados dessas análises à geração da forma, com base no desempenho. Além disso, a disciplina fez um uso intensivo de equipamentos de fabricação digital para a produção de maquetes. Os resultados obtidos demonstram a importância da presença de uma equipe interdisciplinar de instrutores no ateliê de projeto, além da viabilidade de se reproduzir, ainda que de maneira simplificada, o processo de projeto integrado, com o uso de tecnologias CAD/CAE/CAM, que vem se tornando cada vez mais presente nos escritórios de arquitetura.

Integrating enzyme fermentation in lignocellulosic ethanol production: life-cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis

BackgroundCellulase enzymes have been reported to contribute with a significant share of the total costs and greenhouse gas emissions of lignocellulosic ethanol production today. A potential future alternative to purchasing enzymes from an off-site manufacturer is to integrate enzyme and ethanol production, using microorganisms and part of the lignocellulosic material as feedstock for enzymes. This study modelled two such integrated process designs for ethanol from logging residues from spruce production, and compared it to an off-site case based on existing data regarding purchased enzymes. Greenhouse gas emissions and primary energy balances were studied in a life-cycle assessment, and cost performance in a techno-economic analysis.ResultsThe base case scenario suggests that greenhouse gas emissions per MJ of ethanol could be significantly lower in the integrated cases than in the off-site case. However, the difference between the integrated and off-site cases is reduced with alternative assumptions regarding enzyme dosage and the environmental impact of the purchased enzymes. The comparison of primary energy balances did not show any significant difference between the cases. The minimum ethanol selling price, to reach break-even costs, was from 0.568 to 0.622 EUR L−1 for the integrated cases, as compared to 0.581 EUR L−1 for the off-site case.ConclusionsAn integrated process design could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from lignocellulose-based ethanol production, and the cost of an integrated process could be comparable to purchasing enzymes produced off-site. This study focused on the environmental and economic assessment of an integrated process, and in order to strengthen the comparison to the off-site case, more detailed and updated data regarding industrial off-site enzyme production are especially important.

Thermodynamically‐based response time as controllability indicator in heat exchanger networks

AbstractRecently, research and development has focused on how to integrate process design and process control, considering that the most outstanding process design does not always result in the best dynamic performance, involving plant controllability. A steady‐state controllability and resiliency analysis provides useful information for the assessment of heat exchanger networks (HEN) and requires less work than the dynamic analysis. In the interests of obtaining the best balance between process integration and controllability, a thermodynamic analysis from the dissipative point of view can be a starting point. This paper presents a simultaneous approach for finding controllability and economic goals in early stages of process design. An index based on response time is obtained, which is a controllability measure of the system. It is applied to a HEN and the results obtained are compared with known controllability and resiliency measures tools on steady state, showing consistency. The proposed methodology serves as a starting point for controllability evaluation, making it possible to relate the stages of process control and design.

BUILDING PERFORMANCE SIMULATION AS AN EARLY INTERVENTION OR LATE VERIFICATION IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN: SAME PERFORMANCE OUTCOME BUT DIFFERENT DESIGN SOLUTIONS

INTRODUCTIONCurrent green building practice has been largely advanced by an integrated design process. This integrated design process involves multiple disciplines, such as architecture, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. The design method heavily relies on utilizing building performance simulation to illustrate how design parameters affect the energy consumption and quality of the indoor environment before actual design decisions are made (Anderson, 2014). The architectural design tools in the integrated design process supersede traditional geometrical exploration instruments, such as Sketchup, Revit, ArchiCad, and Rhino (Negendahl, 2015). More building performance simulating tools, such as Ecotect, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Radiance, and EnergyPlus, have been developed to help architects measure building performance (e.g., natural ventilation, daylighting, solar radiation, and energy uses) in the design process and attain green building standards such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The information presented by these tools guide architects at a certain level in achieving green building goals. However, building simulation is generally beyond the architect's knowledge domain. Many architects have difficulty in understanding these technical terms and models, as well as their design implications. Therefore, specific consultants have emerged to help architects grasp the meanings of these numbers and models, which require architects to implement a high level of design collaboration and coordination (Aksamija, 2015; Gou & Lau, 2014). Simulation consultants can work in parallel with architects at the early design stage to intervene in the conceptual and schematic design; they may also work behind architects to verify the building performance after the design is finished and make their design green through technical alterations.Most existing literature argues for an early intervention of building performance simulation in the architectural design process and explores different algorithms or models for optimal intervention (Degens, Scholzen, & Odenbreit, 2015; Sick, Schade, Mourtada, Uh, & Grausam, 2014; Svetlana Olbina & Yvan Beliveau, 2007). However, the difference between early intervention and late verification is often not investigated. Few qualitative studies can help understand how the building performance simulation is actually implemented, and how it influences the quality of design solutions in addition to the quantity of performance outcomes. The current research presents two case studies that compare building performance simulation as an early intervention and a late verification tool in the architectural design process, which contextualizes the building simulation research in real building practices.