Can you guarantee that the completed building will match the performance predicted by the analysis in its day-to-day operations?
No you can not guarantee that the completed building will match the performance predicted by the analysis in its day-to-day operations because there are many factors and moving parts that the building does not take into account. For example, maybe the building is submerged in a snowstorm, then the energy properties of the building will change drastically. Or maybe the operations of the building changes so people don't need to rely on as much energy from the building.
When choosing settings for each of the building performance factors, should you always choose the setting that gives the absolute lowest predicted energy use?
How can you use Insight feedback to make design choices regarding materials, lightning, PV, etc.?
Using insight feedback I can understand how different materials like glass will allow for things like natural heating or cooling. This feedback is important because it allows use less manufactured energy during the day to day processes by building the building in a way that optimizes for this energy.
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?
The 4D simulation should include detail enough for the constructors to have a general idea of what the building will look like. I would argue that details such as decorations are not necessary as they don't influence the overall building structure that signifcantly. Therefore, the level of detail should be moderate.
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?