Application of building performance simulation in an integrative design process

Abstract

During the design process, many architects and architecture students have the habit of conducting studies of the surrounding conditions, identifying the solar orientation and the predominant wind direction in a simplified way. However, this process can be much more interactive and precise with the assistance of computer simulation. Thus, the objective of this work is to exemplify the applicability of computer simulations in the different project phases, as an aid to the creative process. To illustrate an integrated design process, an architectural office was chosen as an object of study to be designed on a site in the central region of Curitiba, Paraná. Rhinoceros program was used to model the elements and Grasshopper ro perform the conditioning and comfort analyses. Thus, to understand the possibilities of the program, 4 initial design studies were proposed to finally find the model that best suits the terrain and the proposed use. The tests performed in this study demonstrate how the design process can be more dynamic and assist in the creative process.