Integrating Computational and Building Performance Simulation Techniques for Optimized Facade Design

Abstract. This paper investigates the integration of Building Performance Simulation (BPS) and optimization tools to provide high performance solutions. An office room in Cairo, Egypt was chosen as a base testing case, where a Genetic Algorithm (GA) was used for optimizing the annual daylighting performance of two parametrically modeled daylighting systems. In the first case, a combination of a redirecting system (light shelf) and shading system (solar screen) was studied. While in the second, a free-form “gills surface ” was also optimized to provide acceptable daylighting performance. Results highlight the promising future of using computational techniques along with simulation tools, and provide a methodology for integrating optimization and performance simulation techniques at early design stages