Information Processing and Assessment for Improved Computational Energy Modelling

Abstract

This study explores how designer interacts with the computational model. This research intends to demystify how “design knowledge” is obtained, used and processed in the age of computation. The paper shows how the computational modelling tools associated with performance-based parametric design help support design decisions during the initial design phases. Building Energy Performance (BEP) is chosen as the main context to develop a set of criteria for the iterative development, testing, evaluation, and validation of a prototype model. Therefore, as a practical work, the research explores a series of new energy simulation modelling techniques based on parametric design and multi optimization-based design. Specifically, it aims to explore, develop, and test new approaches in parametric modelling that can support energy simulation, using multi optimization, where designers can easily state the design parameters and use them in energy-performance-based design. The exploratory research approach is the main theme of this research. However, during the development of the research it was found that there is a need to blend this research design with the descriptive research approach. One of the key contributions of this study will be the development of a more direct link and useful methods for the translation of information into data inputs to support computational thinking and modelling processes.