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?
I don't think a complete building would match the performance of the analysis since there are a number of variabilities that can affect those numbers. For example, the building can be operational on the weekends if there are employees working over the weekend or extra hours during the day. However, the analysis would have similar results as the completed building with some uncertainty. Furthermore, the materials used in the analysis for the WWR and other components of the building could be different than the one that is fully erected.
When choosing settings for each of the building performance factors, should you always choose the setting that gives the absolute lowest predicted energy use?
It's important to choose settings that would be the most feasible. Designers have the opportunity to choose various designs, but they are not always the most feasible design in terms of constructability and cost. However, when providing a design, the settings for the absolute lowest predicted energy use should also be presented so that the owner can see the potential performance of the building with certain settings.
How can you use Insight feedback to make design choices regarding materials, lightning, 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?
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?
With preliminary cost estimates, designers will be able to understand if the design is within the budget of the owners. By utilizing the model-based quantity takeoffs, designers can make alterations to the design and find the cost to present to owners. As designers do multiple iterations to find a reasonable cost, it will be easy to move forward with a proposed design. As an experienced designer does takeoffs, he will be able to understand if the values are reasonable in the design process based on the square footage. This will reveal any issues in the structural design of a model.