Building information modeling – simulation and analysis of a University Edifice and its environs – A sustainable design approach

Abstract

This study utilized Building Information Modeling (BIM) to refine an existing campus master plan, improving the built environment concerning usability and sustainability. Using capabilities of the premium version of the Autodesk Revit Architecture and its many add-ons for simulations and analyses, this research paper were through the evaluation of the directional alternatives with the actual data. This research paper undergone the simulations of wind patterns, solar exposure to the building, and energy factors for three different building orientations. The optimal construction orientation, designated as Directional Option 2, provides enhanced ventilation and sunlight access, yielding an annual customized solar radiation of 587 kWh/m². This option showcases the lowest energy consumption rate at 241 kWh/m²/yr, indicating substantial savings relative to other orientations and the average annual consumption standard of 333 kWh/m²/yr (Sheffield City Council, 2022). Assessing the designs against established benchmarks from EU policies, including the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), guarantees the models’ energy efficiency and sustainability. Autodesk Revit Architecture’s ability to simulate multiple design options and evaluate their performance against established standards confirms the validity of its assumptions. In addition, the wind analysis establishes a correlation between the results of the Revit simulation and the actual wind speed measurements taken during different seasons. This substantiates the fact that the simulation results are in close agreement with the measured values, despite the fact that there are some slight deviations. For example, the wind speed estimated at spring was 5.67 m/s, but simulations showed 6.5 m/s, which is slightly more than the actual. The seasonal solar analysis indicates that Directional Option 2 offers the highest solar exposure accuracy at 90% during summer, confirming its status as the most efficient choice for solar energy utilization. BIM is used as a transformative tool for sustainable development in this study’s comprehensive approach, allowing for data-driven decision-making that promotes an environmentally conscious and user-friendly built environment.