Digitaltools-based performance evaluation of the adaptive building envelop in the early phase of design

Abstract

Amelioration of indoor comfort for the building occupants, reduction in energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions can be achieved with application an adaptive building envelope in new and old buildings. Nowadays, there is a lack of methods for predicting and evaluating the performance of the adaptive building envelop at component and whole building scale. Also there is a need for guidance on how to model the adaptive envelope system and how to simulate one in a suitable way. The aim of the paper is to review the existing literature and projects on methods, techniques and strategies for the adaptive envelope performance assessment in the early phase of the design (in scope Computer-Aided Architectural Design - CAAD). Authors are currently carrying out a classification, critical and comparative analysis of the existing simulation and modelling approaches for the adaptive façade with focus on the design of exterior shading systems. After the aforementioned analysis they have implemented workflow proposed on a case study. The case study is discussed to show how the method proposed and based on digital tools can be applied. Numerical simulation is conducted to predict and to evaluate performance and possible energy reduction application the adaptive exterior shading system. In this case geometry and material characteristics of shade systems are investigated in relation to daylight and light performance of indoor space.