Can you guarantee that the completed building will match the performance predicted by the analysis in its day-to-day operations?
- Why or why not?
No, it’s unrealistic to guarantee that day-to-day performance will perfectly match the predictions. Our predictions rely on assumptions of ideal conditions and expected usage patterns, which work very well for our models, but are not always complete reflections of real-world conditions. Poor maintenance, environmental changes, or even just behavior changes from the people using the building can have a huge impact on actual performance.
When choosing settings for each of the building performance factors, should you always choose the setting that gives the absolute lowest predicted energy use?
How can you use Insight feedback to make design choices regarding materials, lighting, PV, etc.?
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.
- Can you provide examples of how a simulation that focuses on a 1 or 2 week period could be useful for planning?
What level of detail should be included in a 4D simulation?
- Should you include all of the elements in the building model?
The level of detail should be determined by who exactly your audience is, but generally it should be both clear and representative of the model. The simulation can easily get cluttered if you include every single element of the building model, since less important features (like furniture or decorations) can both distract from and might even important construction sequences. The focus should be on structural components, major architectural elements, and key infrastructure (columns, walls, floors) that affect the construction timeline.
How can the feedback shown in a 4D simulation help you to optimize the project schedule?
- What are the main benefits of linking model elements to the project schedule?
How can model-based quantity takeoff improve the design process?
How can designers improve their designs using the information provided by preliminary estimates of the cost of building their design ideas?