Eco-envolventes1: A parametric design approach to generate and evaluate façade configurations for hot and humid climates

Abstract

This paper presents the current development of an in-progress academic research project where a particular design problem, that of building envelopes for tropical climates, is parametrically defined and its possible solutions assessed by means of data correlations and virtual simulations. In doing do so, the authors have devised a parametric structure based on factorial definitions whereby environmental, structural and life cycle analyses are taken into consideration to determine the design possibilities subsequently defined in terms of their physical configuration, constituent materials, construction processes and dynamic behaviour. Particular emphasis is placed on the embedded energy and functional performance of the resulting designs. The proposed methodological model is graphically presented, and its practical potential illustrated by a particular case of application. It should be taken into account, however, that this is a work in progress, and only the first step towards the construction of a simulation based methodology for architects and designers.