This seminar introduces design and analysis methods for understanding the fundamental flows of energy through a building. The class is designed to build intuition and test prospective scenarios using simulation tools in a fast, iterative fashion. Students will examine the central role that buildings play relative to energy production and demand, exploring how and why buildings use energy, ways of reducing consumption, and methods for supplying and storing energy in a sustainable fashion. Phased exercises will help students to prioritize the building components that best reinforce the varied and often contradictory goals of visual and thermal comfort, reduced energy use, and increased energy generation. In the process, students will gain proficiency in different analysis techniques and software packages that can be used in practice. Emphasis will be placed on framing questions and choosing tools that provide feedback loops with the design process while yielding appropriate accuracy and precision.

Prerequisite: Building Energy. Familiarity with Rhino and Grasshopper are recommended. If you have questions about your preparedness, please see the instructor.

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