Simulations

From the lectures:

 Let the (Indirect) Sun Shine In

http://continuingeducation.construction.com/article.php?L=5&C=406&P=1

Energy Software to Link Design and Science by B.J. Novitski

http://www.architectureweek.com/2000/0705/tools_1-1.html

Computer Visualization as a Tool for Critical Analysis by Mark Maddalina

http://www.architectureweek.com/2000/0705/tools_4-1.html

 

These three lectures provide a great overview of different examples of simulation software that have been used lately in the architectural field. The purpose of these kinds of software is basically to provide the user or designer an imitation of how final designed spaces are going to look like in real life.

 In the architectural design field, some of these softwares have been developed in order to previously evaluate building performances. One of the lectures refers to BDA software (Building Design Advisor) created by Konstatinos Papamichael, as software where architects can calculate energy consumption and daylight distribution.

One of the features on this software is that is able to create high level performances evaluations even from a schematic design process by developing " smart defaults”, which means that the software automatically fills in the gaps of missing data in the project from data developed by the Department of Energy.

 In the project described in the lecture:“ Computer Visualization as a Tool for Critical Analysis”, architectural space is also analyzed through 3D computer visualization. Trough this tool, designers try to evaluate the spatial conditions and relationships in Wright’s design helping to decipher this house spatial treatment.

 During the lecture “ Let the (Indirect) Sun Shine In” Architects and designers seek to incorporate indirect daylight in museum environments. This is a very challenging task since each artwork might require different limits of light exposure and conservation criteria.

At the Queens Museum of Art in NY natural light illumination has been considered in its galleries interior spaces. Architect Renzo Piano has designed a skylight ceiling where blinds can be programmed during non-operating hours and to be closed during summer early morning and late afternoon hours. But there’s a huge disadvantage in this design since the north –facing part of the ceiling diffuses light condition that do not provide uniformity; for this reason the design team have used an illumination vector analysis in order to evaluate drawbacks and their solutions.

 During the Queens Museum of Art, this kind of technology was also implemented to determine variables such as: day lighting levels in the museum, the experience of visitors moving through museum spaces and not perceiving abrupt illumination changes. In order to evaluate the relationship between roof aperture configuration and side-gallery day lighting levels in this museum, the designers conducted a modeling of the museum’s projected spaces and architectural elements. They have combined this with illumination software in order to evaluate the space characteristics.

 I definitely believe that these kinds of technologies have enhanced architectural developments. Simulation softwares are very effective and able to guide designers to be in the right place at anytime they want to imitate their future architectural spaces. They also help to facilitate projected works at the time designers want to materialize their spaces in real life since they have created previous evaluations and test the space and materials performance.