Module 9 - Points to Ponder

Can you guarantee that the completed building will match the performance predicted by the analysis in its day-to-day operations?

• No, there is not accounting for weather such as foggy days or decreased outside temperature. Aside from the acutly performance of the building, there may be times of higher than average usage which will deviate from the models. For example, perhaps there is an event or symposium which would require several lights to be on or the usage of projectors. This would put additional energy usage on the building as electricity demand is increased.

4D simulations are often used to show the construction sequence for an entire project, but shorter simulations that focus on a specific period of time are also useful.

• The shorter time frames may make the visualization and video quicker. It is not necessarily how long the project will take, but it makes it digestible for the viewers who may be interested in watching such as the city council or residents. These shorter simulations may also be included in design plans and given to consturction crews so that they may visualize which elements of the buildings they will be working on first or next.

How can model-based quantity takeoff improve the design process?

The preliminary figures in this design process can clue designers in for the size of buildings that may be manageable with a clients budget. For example, a designer may only have a budget to guide them and not a set of floors or square footage. By having an inventory and counting the cost of materials, you can estimate the size of building that may be possible.