The application of computer simulation techniques to the design and preservation of a national monument

The paper outlines a two-year research program where Radiance was used in the conversion of Empress Place, a national monument in Singapore, into an Asian Civilisation Museum. The paper describes how the research team fine-tune the modeling and software set- tings to cope with some of the contextual issues of design. Inaddition, the paper discusses how Radiance could be used to aid the design of the building. One of the more difficult tasks the researchers faced was to model and validate some of the daylighting control devices that are part of the existing features of the build- ing. And to design new control devices that are architecturally consistent with the building. Working with the design team, options and strategies are studied. At the end, contrary to the original beliefs of the architect, and much to the liking of the curator, it has been dem- onstrated that, carefully designed, daylighting could be introduced into the gallery and that it will enhance the quality of the interior spaces. The building is currently under construction.