Facade automations generate a pattern across a whole building in seconds.
The automation knows the dimensions of each wall and the distribution of facade elements at set points around this area. The automation does not know the spacing between walls and therefore, often requires overriding as buildings include hallways for users to pass from one place to another and buildings. The buildings also contain elements other than living areas (for example, stairs and lifts that require different facade elements and orientations. The automation does not know this so will need to be overridden to account for these differences.
If an automated design performs well in analysis but looks wrong, I think the decision depends on the situation. For residential and many office buildings buildings, aesthetics are important because they influence the appeal of the living spaces. This will determine if the building is profitable or not. In other scenarios where design is unimportant or there is limited costs to spend on building then the looks may be forgotten. However, I think the appearance should not override the essential performance of facades, so a balance must be made.
In most cases, like residential areas, looks win as overall buildings are still places that the user would have to desire to live in. Therefore, aesthetics should be placed slightly higher than analysis. However, in scenarios such as corporate offices or where there is limited cost to spend on building, then the looks may be forgotten
What drives a project team's decision about floor to floor height?
From an engineer’s perspective, you are looking for the height that can safely fit all building items and, more importantly, the building cores ( mechanical rooms, lifts, and stairs)
A designer’s decision is driven by the aesthetics of the building and if it can fit in everything that the client has requested for their interior and exterior space.
A builder might decide the building height based on the available materials, construction methods, and how easy the height is to achieve.
A developer might be concerned with the costs associated with developing a building that height and if it meets the rentable space requirement.
Total carbon can now be estimated before materials are specified.
The team should place limited confidence in that number at the design stage as the specific materials have not been selected and different materials vary drastically in carbon footprint. Additionally, plans change during construction which could definitely impact the carbon footprint. The facade elements (windows and balconies) have the largest effect due to their huge presence throughout the building and the carbon required to create the concrete.