Discovery-performance-design

This paper reports on the use of advanced building performance simulation in the post-graduate design studio, which explored the role and limits of analytical tools in the early stage design process. Each project began with the environmental accounting diagram technique to situate the project in its social, ecological, and economic context. Within the discovered context, performance simulations were engaged for design synthesis rather than analysis of finalized building. Simulation tools included EnergyPlus to evaluate building energy usage, Radiance for daylighting, and ANSYS Fluent for natural ventilation and passive cooling effects.