The Atlantic College Case Study– Measuring Performance to Evaluate Building Simulation and Enhance Student Learning

Abstract

This paper is based upon a case study. Gillard Associates completed the refurbishment of the first of three 1960’s student accommodation blocks at Atlantic College, Wales in late summer 2008. The refurbishment was predicted to possibly achieve Code for Sustainable Homes level4, through the use of a combination of Archicad BIM and Ecotect Building Performance simulation software.The Cardiff School of Art and Design (CSAD) have now acquired re-deployable instrumentation with the intent of monitoring the refurbished accommodation through a complete cycle of seasons, in comparison with one of the existing blocks, and with the predicted results from the simulation process. CSAD intend to build upon the model of the ‘Live Studio’ learning case study that incorporates real time data from the building management system sensors and weather station. We argue that there is a lack of useful seasonal case study data for practitioners to calibrate their simulations, and for learning by students.