Verifying the validity of facade design strategy through optimization of digital modeling tools

The purpose of this study was to verify the validity of facade design strategy by optimization using digital modeling tools. A general office was simulated and a digital model of the room was created using 3D modeling tools. A lattice-type louver was chosen and a genetic algorithm was used to optimize the depth of the louvers and their spacing. As a result, the outer cover of the facade performed well enough to pass less than 300 MJ/m²·yr, which is an energy-saving standard for offices in Tokyo. We verified this performance experimentally using a physical model. The facade was shaped using a 3D printer and attached to a box-shaped model at 1/10 scale. Illumination and other factors inside the model were measured 5-times/day. During the experiment, eight subjects were asked to look inside the model to evaluate the interior lighting. For this reason, desktop illuminance was kept within the range of 500-1000 lux throughout the day. It was also shown from questionnaire results that the sensation of this level of brightness caused little dissatisfaction. These results verified that the performance of the high outer cover contributed to energy savings, and that the facade created little dissatisfaction regarding visual comfort.