Evolutionary Optimization of Building Facade Form for Energy and Comfort in Urban Environment through BIM and Algorithmic Modeling A case study in Porto, Portugal

Abstract

Consolidated urban areas usually present a challenge for the sustainable design decisions for the architect. The site, orientation and surrounding built environment compromise both passive and active systems, shortening the possible optimization measures available, leaving the designer with doubts as far as efficiency is concerned.BIM methodologies and visual programming languages have opened up a very wide range of design and analysis tools allowing the architect to make informed decisions based on data extracted from the models. Nonetheless it's optimization is through a slow process of trial and error, creating a significant limitation. This paper discusses the potentialities of the use of evolutionary algorithms to generate optimized solutions for facade solar orientation. A comparison between three different evolutionary algorithms aiming for solar radiation, inside average temperature allows to conclude the best result versus time consumed. Although under similar results the multi-objective EA represents the best compromise between time and final objective on the case study chosen for the paper. The interconnectivity in real time of BIM and algorithmic modeling softwares represents an advantage for time saving sustainable design decisions.