pkm2 Building performance Lam and Yeang

Building performance (Lam and Yeang, 2009; Fisher, 2012; Hensel et al., 2012; Hygh et al., 2012; Aldawoud, 2013; Attia et al., 2013) is an important issue in the literature. The integration of support tools into the early stages of architectural design (Lam and Yeang, 2009; Attia et al., 2012; Fisher, 2012; Greenberg et al., 2013) can contribute to the optimization of form and design (Attia et al., 2012; Ihm and Krarti, 2012). CFD simulation (Da Graça et al., 2012) provides leading information for the optimization of natural ventilation and building geometry. Lomas (2007) describes how the architecture of advanced naturally ventilated buildings can be shaped by considering environmental design and ventilation. Wu et al. (2011) compare the CFD results of natural ventilation with the original design concept to verify the architect׳s vision of realizing the design purpose. The integration of CFD results into pkm2 simulation (Hiyama and Kato, 2011) promotes building performance while building form and its role on energy consumption (Zerefos et al., 2012) are also determining factors for eco-performative design. Energy efficiency depends on the natural ventilation strategy of a building (Schulze and Eicker, 2013). Therefore, CFD analysis (Givens, 2011; Suárez et al., 2011; Wang et al., 2012) can be decisive in bioclimatic architecture.
The concept of “breathing architecture” Accordingly, through the scientific observation of air flow, the natural ventilation of buildings can be controlled, and thermal comfort can be achieved. Furthermore, air exchange rates can be optimized, and indoor air quality can be improved. These conditions may lead to proper oxygen concentration levels, which in turn contribute to the promotion of good health and pleasant living environment for the inhabitants. Consequently, the architectural synthesis of a building or space, as well as the use of high technology and technical expertise to achieve high-quality indoor atmosphere, enables the ability of the building or space to “breathe” (Stavridou, 2009).
Computational and laboratory simulation of the natural ventilation of buildings To effectively utilize the natural ventilation of buildings in the architectural design process, investigating the relevant scientific fields is essential. The natural ventilation of buildings is investigated using computational and laboratory simulation (Stavridou, 2011; Stavridou and Prinos, 2013). CFD software is used for the computational simulation while the laboratory simulation is conducted in the Laboratory of Hydraulics, Department of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. In the computational simulation, the software FLUENT 6.0.12 is used (Fluent Incorporated, 2001), and the problem is solved using the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations in conjunction with the energy equation and the turbulence model RNG k–ε. The geometry and grid of the simulation is created using Gambit (Fluent Incorporated, 2000).
Impact of the investigation into the natural ventilation of buildings on four parameters of architectural design The natural ventilation of buildings and architectural design are interdependent. Changes in natural ventilation strategies affect architectural design, and vice versa. Architectural design and its components can form different types of ventilation based on the architectural synthesis of each building. The investigation into the natural ventilation of buildings (Stavridou, 2011; Stavridou and Prinos, 2013) provides data and information that affect architectural design. This influence refers to different parameters that constitute fundamental parts of the synthetic process and the structure of architectural design. In this section, the following four substantial parameters are examined: (i) inspiration and analogical transfer, (ii) initial conception of the main idea by using CFD (digital design), (iii) development of the main idea through an investigatory process toward building form optimization, and (iv) form configuration, shape investigation, and other morphogenetic prospects.