On the Structure and Elements of SEMPER

Abstract

This paper introduces the concept, structure, components, and application results of "SEMPER", an active, multi-aspect computational tool for comprehensive simulation-based design assistance. Specifically, SEMPER seeks to meet the following requirements: a) a methodologically consistent (first- principles-based) performance modeling approach through the entire building design and engineering process; b) seamless and dynamic communication between the simulation models and an object- oriented space-based design environment using the structural homology of various domain representations; and c) "preference-based" performance-to-design mapping technology (bidirectional inference). SEMPER involves the integrated computational modeling of heat transfer, air flow, HVAC system performance, thermal comfort, daylighting and electrical lighting, acoustics, and life-cycle assessment.