Towards the integration of simulation into the building 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, potential 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 identified as a particularly useful technique. Barriers for the application of data mining in conjunction with building simulation were also identified and discussed. 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.