When choosing settings for each of the building performance factors, should you always choose the setting that gives the absolute lowest predicted energy use?
No; this is an unreasonable setting assuming that the building will operate efficiently on a daily basis. Depending on the year, energy use and consumption will vary. Thus, settings should replicate that by either including two different values of energy use or potentially averaging them out to better understand the general energy efficiency of a building.
How can you use Insight feedback to make design choices regarding materials, lighting, PV, etc.?
Insight provides quantitative data that can directly support or negate certain design choices. To achieve the building’s overall goals, Insight measures different avenues that a building can take when deciding materials, lighting, PV, etc. For example, Insight determined different W/m^2 measurements dependent on how efficient the lighting is in the building. The feedback is certainly more quantitative than qualitative, which is highly needed in the modeling and construction process.
How can model-based quantity takeoff improve the design process?
The model-based quantity takeoff is essentially for designers to consider and evaluate the economic opportunities and limitations present in a building before gathering materials. The buildings we designed in Module 6 and 7 require thorough and accurate estimates for architects to consider. Some considerations may be the type of materials used, how many materials, and the placement of those materials. It can also improve the efficiency of the design process itself, allowing architects to focus more on the construction rather than the materials needed to build.