Evaluation of Performance Modelling: Optimizing Simulation Tools to Stages of Architectural Design

Abstract

Given the necessity of resilience architecture is vital, the most effective decisions on building performance are made at design stages. Simulation represents a possible solution to the complex problem of enabling comprehensive and integrated appraisals of design options under realistic operation conditions [1]. Building Energy Performance Simulation tools (BEPS) provide an opportunity for architects to assess their design strategies in order to reach a high performance building. According to the current developments of Building Information Modeling (BIM) as an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) tool this study tries to define a logical relation between level of development in different stages of architectural design and BEPS tools in order to fill the gap between architects and engineers in earlier stages of building design. In order to assess the current capability of the simulation tools and evaluate their platforms as an Integration of tools in building design decision making by defined criteria of Input data required for simulation, Usability and graphical visualization of the interface, Interoperability of building modelling, Accuracy and ability to simulate detailed and complex building components. In order to have a market assessment of these types of building performance tools, a survey was conducted of architectural and engineering firms of diverse size.