Can you guarantee that the completed building will match the performance predicted by the analysis in its day-to-day operations?
No – the completed building might have some inconsistencies with the model, either because it was not built to the exact specifications of the model or because the assumptions built into the analysis are imperfect. For example, if the model assumes that 50% of days are sunny but then 80% of days are sunny, the amount of heating and cooling (and thus energy use) required in a building with a high glazing percentage might be different from the prediction.
When choosing settings for each of the building performance factors, should you always choose the setting that gives the absolute lowest predicted energy use?
Not necessarily – these settings might not prioritize other client needs/specifications. While reducing energy use is an important goal, there are some cases in which it is not the only parameter.
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?
If there is a disruption in a project that leads to delays in one aspect (for example, a flooring material is on backorder), this might shift the schedule of the overall project in unpredictable ways. When there is this type of uncertainty, it can be helpful to plan for shorter periods at a time.
Alternatively, if a lot of project stages involving a lot of different people and moving parts are occurring in a short period, it would likely be useful to have a detailed picture of who and what will be onsite at different times.
What level of detail should be included in a 4D simulation?
- Should you include all of the elements in the building model?
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?