Iterative Simulation for Early Design
Ecotect, Revit, Vasari, DAYSIMVarious projects, LMN
The simulation "bang for the buck" is highest when done early in design. When it comes to architecture, knowing your site conditions is critical: solar access, wind, light, annual weather. At LMN Architects, I performed site and climate analysis for numerous projects with the aim toward prioritizing the passive (and sometimes active) design strategies that would yield the largest impact. These early studies are also useful in determining what flavors of simulation will be most useful during the bulk of design.
Daylighting Illuminance Analysis
Radiance and EcotectCleveland Medical Mart, LMN
This image shows numerous proposed ceiling conditions in the design of the atrium of the Cleveland Medical Mart. Though none of these conditions ended up in design, these illuminance analyses were performed very early in the design process and were repeated and refined until a solution was found. Performing early quantitive illuminance simulations using Radiance allowed the design team to carefully assess and balance glazing treatment both on the ceiling and on the adjacent facade.
Solar Access and Shadow Ranges
EcotectCleveland Medical Mart, LMN
Detailed annual solar access studies for the Cleveland Medical Mart and Convention Center by LMN. Solar access and shadow range studies help determine the placement of massing, glazing and open-spaces. This and many other studies were run on large-scale urban 3D models where details of buildings 3 blocks away can impact the play of the sun across the site.
Solar Heat Gain and Massing
EcotectVarious projects
Calculating the effect of solar heat radiation on the envelope of a proposed building requires both a detailed knowledge of the geometry of the context, as well as the material quality of adjacent buildings. Understanding the solar heat gain early in design is important for planning the placement and percentages of glazing.
Quantitive Daylighting Simulation
Radiance Illuminance AnalysisMuseum of History and Industry, LMN
Detailed illuminance simulation for comparative analysis of two physical shade materials in a light-limited gallery space. The goal was to balance minimum illuminance levels for light-sensitive historical documents with views to the outside. This quantitive analysis was performed in conjunction with the qualitative renderings at right...
Qualitative Daylighting Simulation
Radiance Luminance ImageMuseum of History and Industry, LMN
A Radiance rendering using High-Dynamic Range Imagery to supply the indirect component of the context. This study shows a visual luminance comparison of two shade options on a window of the light-sensitive gallery space (shown at left). Minimum illuminance levels could be balanced with illuminance using this detailed simulation, while - at the same time - studying the views to the outside.
Comparative Luminance Analysis
Radiance, HDRI imageryPeyton Hall Renovation, Seattle Prep, LMN
Comparing multiple facade treatments and their impacts on interior luminance and illuminance. High-Dynamic Range Photography was taken - on site - to generate the indirect component of the Radiance daylight simulation. The image generated by Radiance contains per pixel luminance flux information that can be used to check for lighting levels.
Pedestrian Level Wind CFD
Virtualwind CFDVarious projects, LMN
Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation of wind conditions around buildings is both computationally expensive and technically challenging. Accurate and water-tight geometry is necessary. This image depicts a massing study for a campus-wide project where pedestrian comfort between buildings on a quad was critical during windy months. Iterative simulation under multiple wind directions and intensities was performed to determine potential massing options of future buildings.
Natural Ventilation and Airflow
TAS Ambiens and Bentley MicrostationBellevue College Health Sciences Building, LMN
2.5 dimensional Computation Fluid Dynamics simulation performed on multiple design options and configurations for a wing of a build in which natural and stack ventilation was required to reach sustainability goals. Placement of windows, plenums, diffusers, desks, inlets and operable skylights were modelled, simulated, and tweaked.
Quantitive Luminance Analysis
RadianceVarious projects, LMN
As designs stabilize, the daylighting situation should be analyzed to check for any potential unwanted glare conditions. Radiance luminance images can be used to check for pathology and problem spots before the design is finalized. Per-pixel luminance data - shown here in false-color mapping - can be checked for high contrast ratios that could contribute to glare conditions. Design changes that mitigate potential glare can be made, then checked again.
Climate-Based Daylight Metrics
Radiance, DAYSIMVarious projects
Comprehensive, climate-based, daylighting metrics - such as Daylight Autonomy and Useful Daylight Index - are helpful in understanding the behavior of daylight and occupants across an entire year under specific weather conditions. Using Radiance, DAYSIM, and DIVA, I have performed numerous iterative and comparative climate-based daylight studies on projects at all phases of design.
Radiance Rendering
RadianceVarious projects
Extensive experience with all facets of physical-based lighting simulation in Radiance, from material constructions to High-Dynamic Range Imagery integration.
