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?
One cannot, since there is variability in all aspects of the actual design, from local weather variation to construction quality to building operations. However, these simulations can provide decent guesses for a building’s eventual performance, which can later be checked after the building is constructed.
When choosing settings for each of the building performance factors, should you always choose the setting that gives the absolute lowest predicted energy use?
Aspects of cost and design also need to be considered. For example, in my design, I had to greatly reduce the amount of windows in the energy model, which deviated significantly from my intended design of a mostly glass building. Furthermore, sometimes energy savings due to efficient construction do not always offset initial construction costs.
How can you use Insight feedback to make design choices regarding materials, lighting, 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?
You should not include all elements, since different stakeholders need different information. Contractors responsible for framing the building should have structural information about the building’s design, while those responsible for ductwork and electrical installation don’t need as detailed information about the order in which the building’s structure was installed.
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?