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?
When choosing settings for each of the building performance factors, should you always choose the setting that gives the absolute lowest predicted energy use?
You may only be ablet to choose the settings that give you the lowest predicted energy use if you truly have an unlimited budget. In many cases the last, extra mile you invest for energy efficiency is the most expensive with the least impact. In those situations and with budget constraints it would make more sense to invest up to the point where the payback in energy efficiency is maximized.
How can you use Insight feedback to make design choices regarding materials, lighting, PV, etc.?
Insight feedback can tell you what parameters need to the most attention, and can therefore help you direct your costs. For example, if the analysis in insight shows that having good windows is more important than the R value of the walls, you can invest more in windows than in the walls and have a greater energy payback.
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?
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?
They can use the estimates to determine early on in the design process if a design falls within a reasonable budget for the project. If it doesn’t, they can adjust the design accordingly. They can also use these estimates to compare materials in the design, like comparing cost of wood vs steel design for the same shape.