Towards the Integration of Simulation into the Building Design Process
Morbitzer, C. A.
2003 PhD Thesis, University of Strathclyde
Morbitzer, C. A., (2003), "Towards the Integration of Simulation into the Building Design Process", PhD Thesis, University of Strathclyde.
Abstract:
This thesis is concerned with the integration of simulation into the building design process to give designers a better understanding how design decisions influence the energy and environmental performance of a building, therefore increasing the awareness for these issues during the complex decision making process of the contemporary design process. A concept was developed for a simulation supported design process (SSDP), which is based on the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Design Plan of Work and identifies for different building design stages appropriate simulation exercises. The implementation concept for the SSDP was to use the same simulation engine throughout the design process, but develop interfaces and performance analysis methods which address the requirements at different building design stages (typical users, p otential time constrains, etc.).
To enable the creation of advanced simulation models at the Outline Design Stage the ODS-Interface was developed. This is intended for use by architects, who were identified as main users of the program. It utilizes a Database Management System in order to support the various data processing functions that need to be carried out during the application of an advanced simulation program. In addition a CAD tool is used for the specification of the simulation model geometry. The CAD drawing is also used to indicate zones or surfaces during the model attribution process.
Further research had the aim of enhancing the analysis of performance predictions obtained from a simulation exercise. This resulted in the development of an Integrated Performance View (IPV) for early design stages and for the application by non-simulation experts. To support simulation specialists at later, detailed design stages, data mining was introduced for the in-depth analysis of performance predictions obtained from a simulation exercise. Clustering was identif ied as a particularly useful technique. Barriers for the application of data mining in conjunction with building simulation were also identified and disc ussed.
Three case studies are presented to show how research and development described in the thesis can support design decision making that considers and addresses energy and environmental issues. The case studies show how the application of simulation can result in a more informed decision making process and an improved design quality. Finally the outcome of a survey is described which provides insight into how designers regard the use of simulation in the building design process. The survey emphasises the fact that research presented in this thesis was successful in contributing to the integration of building simulation into the b uilding design process.
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