This paper explores the implications of object oriented representation of buildings in the simulation of dynamic processes in architectural environments. Two main groups of objects are represented in such simulations: architectural objects, and active agents that drive the events in a simulation. To accommodate the data needs of a wide range of simulations and expert systems, architectural objects must be represented as a single data model. on the other hand, active agents are usually application specific, i.e. they are only used in a specific simulation.

This paper summarizes the approach, method, and some results of an ongoing systematic study in simulation and evaluation of daylight factor distribution in rooms. The study aims to develop the basis for both critical investigation of simplified daylighting design guidelines and flexible fast response computational modules, which would enhance the CAAD systems towards preliminary design supporting lighting performance simulation.

The air flow pattern and temperature distribution in a naturally ventilated classroom were simulated using CFD techniques. The simulation model consists of equations for the conservation of mass, momentum and thermal energy, taking account of the effects of buoyancy and obstacles in the room. The well known k-e turbulence model was used to simulate the effect of air turbulence. Close to the inside surface of the room and the obstacle boundary, the wall-function equations were used for momentum and heat flux. Heat sources existing in the classroom were included in the simulation.

SIMULAR AIR is a computer code for calculating the three dimensional transient indoor air flow using a k,e-turbulence model. It solves the nonlinear partial differential equations for momentum, energy, continuity, turbulence and air purity by an implicit time marching technique. The equations are modeled by a finite volume procedure. The model handles a variety of flow, temperature and heat flux boundary conditions including prescribed inflows and outflows. All boundary conditions can be defined time dependent.

The need for increasingly sharp modelling of building energy behaviour allowing comfort to be evaluated within a heated, ventilated dwelling room leads Electricite De France ADE Department to develop an air interior movement simulation model. This is a simplified modelling which it could be possible to integrate into a global building science-of-heat software programme (CLIM2000). The design principle is the division of the air volume of the room into areas for wich mass and energy balances are computed.

SETIS is aiming at building a computer support for building thermal design. It deals both with the envelop of building and with its HVAC system. This project is managed by OCGR, a french civil engineering office, and a laboratory of Institut National des Sciences Appliques de LYON. This collaboration is very important because SETIS is defined as a tool that integrates both algorithmic programs and knowledge based parts. Calculating tools and knowledge bases triggered by the inference engine of Nexpert Object, have been built.

Over the past seven years, Ross & Baruzzini, Inc., (R&B) has been working on a project to determine the relationship of the air conditioning load caused by building lighting with time. This effort has been funded by the Electric Power Research Institute. An initial literature search determined that the basis of existing calculation methods was data generated by Mitalas in the 1970's for a very limited set of experiments.

A new bioclimatic building concept based on solardriven ventilation is analysed through the use of physical and numerical modelling. Measurements are conducted for a 1/12th laboratory scale model designed to replicate the full-scale prototype and its microclimate. Predictions are obtained by employing advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques, and the experimental results provide the benchmarking required in the development of the numerical model, which may offer a viable alternative to expensive and hard to set full-scale tests.

Mathematical models are presented that account for the mass transport processes associated with isothermal reversible sorption in building materials. These models account for a) the equilibrium limits of reversible sorption processes, b) boundary layer diffusion transport at the adsorbent surface, and/or c) diffusion transport within the adsorbent proper. Three distinct families of models are formulated with individual members of each family distinguished by the sorption equilibrium relation used in their formulation.

The building design process, with all its inherent complexities, is still by and large regarded and conducted as a series of rather discrete sequential operations. The architect is responsible for generating the initial design concept which is then passed onto to the various engineering professionals for detail technical implementation. This fragmentized approach has often created solutions that only serve a limited range of specific requirements without due consideration for the integral programmatic and performance related implications of the project.