Why does it matter to model the real terrain and real neighboring buildings?
◦ Which aspects of a building design are most affected by surrounding context?
Wind and noise are designed by their surrounding context. Designing a building in isolation rather than in the context of its environment and neighboring buildings would completely ignore the wind and noise effects of the surroundings. It is essential to understand wind and noise as they are key drivers of the user experience and can be make or break for a proposal.
◦ What kinds of mistakes only become visible once the context is present?
Mistakes in orientation and placement become visible when the context is present. For example, orienting a building North will result in lower sunlight during the winter, and putting residential-unit windows next to a busy street will be extremely uncomfortable for residents.
Should the building adapt to the site, or the site to the building?
◦ From a developer's perspective?
For a developer whose goal is to develop a project in an efficient manner and meet requirements, adapting the site to the building would likely be chosen. This is due to the pressure to meet project goals and targets on time, and, as shown throughout history, the building is often favored over having to adapt to the site.
◦ From a designer's perspective?
With the right tools, software, and time, the building should adapt to the site. The ability to design virtually and understand the complexities of a site allows a designer to adapt the building to these challenges while still meeting the project’s goals.
◦ From the perspective of the neighbors who already live there?
The building should adapt to the site. Adapting a site to the building can result in a lot of new development and construction, which can be very noisy, disruptive, and pollutive for the neighbors.
Sun hours and wind frequently want opposite things from the same massing.
◦ How should a team break the tie when two analyses disagree?
The building type and location must be considered, balancing the difference between energy use and occupant comfort. In a very hot climate, avoiding heavy sun hours can be more beneficial compared to minor discomfort from wind turbulence. However, in an urban environment, avoiding dangerous wind tunnels can be essential.
◦ Who should have the final say, and at what point in the process?
The lead designer should have the final say as they must balance what they receive from other specialists with zoning laws, client programs, feasibility, and intent. The decision should be made before design development begins (during early design scheming), as massing or orientation changes during developmental or deeper design can cause many setbacks.
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.
◦ Did the analysis choose it, or did you choose it and then find numbers that agreed?
◦ What would you have had to see to abandon your favorite option?
◦ If the lot next door is built out in three years, does your recommendation hold?