Design decision support - Real-time energy simulation in the early design stages

Today's design teams have to consider many different parameters and design options from an early stage, which can ultimately have a significant impact on the final performance of the building. Simulations can be used to help design teams understand the consequences of the decisions they take and assess potential variants. In the early stages of the design process, however, the information needed to conduct accurate simulations is often lacking. To address this issue, we developed a new method for Design Decision Support (DDS) that makes it possible to run simulations based on vague and incomplete input data using a method called surrogate modelling which implements parametric simulation data as a quick response performance model for the early design phases. This method is based on parametric simulation models that contain the required information. Designers can use these models to obtain instant feedback on their design and suggestions for further improvements. In our implementation, we have linked this system to a multi-touch environment that links physical volumetric models with the surrogate models, allowing designers to employ familiar approaches to design thinking. This prototype provides designers with direct access to energy performance simulations in the early design stages. This will be expanded in the future to provide further simulations.