Step 1 - Generative Design Framework
Step 2 - Generative Design Study
I choose decision 3 about sustainability to explore and specifically choose the first tradeoff - energy consumption vs. shading area cost. Here, I primarily compare the costs associated with energy consumption and shading area. Energy consumption is calculated by multiplying the floor area of each floor by the environmental conductivity coefficient and the temperature difference between the interior and exterior. Summing the energy requirements for each floor gives the total energy consumption for the entire building. For the shading area cost, I use the total surface area and derive an average surface area per square foot of floor area. This surface area represents the space through which sunlight enters. By calculating the luminous flux, I can then determine the construction costs needed to shade this portion of the luminous flux, thus obtaining the cost for the shading area.
- Design Variable ( two inputs
- mid rotation
- mid radius
- Evaluators
- each floor area
- total floor area
- total surface area
- total volume
- energy consumption = temp coefficient * temp difference * floor area (output)
- shading area cost = (surface area / floor area) * luminous flux coefficient * shading structure cost (output)
- Most Important Tradeoffs to Consider
- energy consumption vs. shading area cost
- constant
- top height (450 ft)
- top radius
- top rotation
- base radius
- mid height (I set the mid height = 1/2 top height)
- story height = 15ft
- minimize both the consumption and shading cost because in the real situation, I want energy consumption to be the minimum to achieve the sustainable goal, also I want the shading cost to be the minimum so that I can save money from the construction.
Step 3 - Generative Design Study Results
The scatterplot and parallel coordinates graphs shown illustrate the trade-off between energy consumption and shading cost for different design variations of a building. The scatterplot places energy consumption on the X-axis and shading cost on the Y-axis, with the size of the points representing the middle radius and color indicating the middle rotation.
Impact on Design Decision: These visualizations show that as the middle radius decreases and middle rotation increases, energy consumption tends to decrease while shading cost increases. This information is crucial for making an informed design decision. If the goal is to minimize energy consumption, a smaller middle radius and higher middle rotation might be preferred. Conversely, if reducing shading cost is more critical, other configurations might be more suitable.
Energy Consumption: Minimizing energy consumption is crucial for sustainability. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs. Using materials with high thermal insulation and optimizing the building's shape to reduce heat gain can achieve lower energy consumption. Shading Cost: Lower shading costs are beneficial for reducing initial construction expenses. Efficient shading reduces the need for active cooling, thereby lowering energy consumption indirectly.
Sustainability and Cost Considerations: Energy Efficiency: Focus on design configurations that reduce overall energy consumption, aligning with sustainable building practices. Implementing high-performance insulation and energy-efficient HVAC systems can further enhance sustainability. Shading Efficiency: Use advanced shading technologies such as automated blinds or green facades that adjust to sunlight conditions, balancing initial shading costs with long-term energy savings. Material Selection: Choose sustainable materials with low embodied energy and high durability to reduce both energy consumption and long-term maintenance costs. Lifecycle Cost Analysis: Evaluate the total cost of ownership, considering both construction and operational phases. Investments in energy-efficient designs may have higher upfront costs but offer significant savings and environmental benefits over the building’s lifecycle.
With this data, designers can prioritize configurations that meet sustainability goals while managing costs. For example, a design with a smaller middle radius and higher middle rotation might be chosen to minimize energy consumption and shading costs effectively. This approach ensures the building is both cost-efficient and environmentally friendly, meeting both project objectives and client expectations.
