Relation between design requirements and building performance simulation

The aim of this paper is to reveal the relation between basic design requirements and the use of building performance simulation in current design practice. As a starting point to focus future research on building performance simulation a number of interviews with building design practitioners were conducted to find the answer to the question: "What general information can be obtained on the building design requirements, providing a background for the context in which future building performance simulation tools or support environments will be used?" The results of the interviews with world leading building services professionals are elaborated focusing on the relationship of value drivers and design requirements, which prescribe the building performance. The literature review on architectural programming together with the outcomes of the interviews will reveal whether the value drivers such as flexibility, functionality and sustainability are identified in the program of requirements, accommodating the client’s expectation on the building performance or not. The results are summarized and interpreted suggesting alternatives for the use of building performance simulation