Performative shading design: parametric based measurement of shading system configuration effectiveness and trends

2014-11-11A tension is developing between the goal of more energy efficient buildings and the growing complexity of architecture. Conceptual design tools are needed that generate, visualize, and optimize building performance. Highly glazed enclosures offer excellent views and allow large amounts of natural light in the interior. Yet even the design of shading devices must take into account dynamic solar conditions, direct solar radiation, daylight, glare, the geometry of the building, site, glazing properties, and other factors. ❧ By providing designers with an automated method to generate shading systems, visualize the performance and daylighting quality of each unique configuration, and analyze the variable trends, better informed and more effective choices regarding façade configuration can be achieved. ❧ It is difficult to predict the quality of daylight or solar control of conceptually designed systems with so many variables affecting them—local climate, geometry, orientation, materials, glazing properties, etc. The implementation of shading systems has historically involved creating a series of designs and validating their performance through individual simulations. Therefore, a design process that optimizes the conceptual design of shading systems, but also portrays how each variable is influencing the overall performance, can better guide and inform designers. ❧ A workflow has been developed that incorporates multiple design variables to be simulated simultaneously, resulting in comprehensive results displaying both raw data to validate decisions as well as optimized façade configurations to guide designers. The proposed optimization and visualization process focuses on three separate metrics: solar radiation, useful daylight illuminance, and glare probability. Rhinoceros 3D and Grasshopper are the parametric and modeling software used as the main process interface, with DIVA included as the climate-based and daylighting simulation engine. Galapagos functions as the evolutionary solving engine used to generate and optimize different variations of shades as well as glazing properties. The results are optimized, parametrically driven shading solutions with their solar performance and daylighting quality visually displayed. Sensitivity analysis among design variables and spatial occupancy follows the optimization results, giving designers a full suite of information to inform their designs