Why does it matter to model the real terrain and real neighboring buildings?
Sunlight and wind are important factors of a building that are heavily affected by surrounding context. For example, if there is an existing building that is in front of the site area in the direction of sunlight, the constructed building will experience a lot of shadows, and likely struggle to get sufficient sunlight and daylight. The same goes for a tall hill or mountain that may obstruct sunlight. Additionally, terrain and surrounding buildings play a big role in wind flow. Depending on the orientation of existing buildings and terrain, wind tunnels or vortexes can form, which can create unpleasant ground conditions for pedestrians. Those wind effects can also place structural stress onto the site plan, which must be accounted for to ensure safety. In summary, mistakes like insufficient daylight or creating high wind speed zones can arise when surrounding conditions are not included in the building design model.
Should the building adapt to the site, or the site to the building?
A developer would want the site to adapt to the building. Because they prioritize financial return, they would want the site to conform around a building that is the most profitable, which maximizes usable space and accessibility.
A designer would likely adapt the building to the site. Because the designer is working with the site first, they would likely take into account terrain and surrounding buildings when conducting their design.
Neighbours would want the building to adapt to the existing site, including neighbourhoods. They would not want extreme disturbances to their surroundings, and thus would likely be against any changes to the site.
Sun hours and wind frequently want opposite things from the same massing.
◦ How should a team break the tie when two analyses disagree?
◦ Who should have the final say, and at what point in the process?
Forma's rapid analyses are fast because they are approximate.
◦ What is a rapid operational energy analysis leaving out?
◦ At what stage does that approximation stop being good enough?
◦ What would you need before putting a performance number in front of a client?
You generated three proposals and recommended one.
The proposal that I am moving forward with was determined by the analysis. I selected my design goal based on the analyses done on the site plan, and picked whichever proposal best fit my goals.
To abandon the option I’m going with, I would have to see another building design that better fit my design goal. For example, if there was a different orientation of the building that maximized sunlight better, I would pick that option. Additionally, if one of the analyses I ran on my chosen proposal displayed undesirable results, such as high noise levels at the residential level, or significantly higher thermal heat stress, then I would consider alternatives.
Depending on where the lot is built next door, I could change my recommendation. If the lot is obstructing the sunlight direction, then the design would not collect solar energy well. If the lot is built in the opposite direction, where the sunlight does not reach anyways, then I would keep my recommendation.