Computational Parametric Design boosts Building Performance

Computational Parametric Design (CPD) combines the principles of building physics with the magic of digital computing and computer sciences. By integrating multiple variables into a single model, we can simulate and visualise the invisible aspects of a building such as air flow, light distribution, and thermal dynamics.

This visualisation and simulation helps enormously to improve the dialogue between architects and engineers leading to a more efficient design process. Furthermore, clients and professional teams can better understand how buildings will perform, and overall building performance is improved.
Key areas covered by CPD include:

• Daylight and Lighting: Balancing the use of natural light with artificial lighting needs.
• Thermal Comfort: Optimising heating, cooling and overall thermal comfort for occupants.
• Acoustics: Mitigating noise and enhancing sound quality in building environments.
• Resource Efficiency: Reducing resource consumption and improving sustainability.

Real-World Applications

The Schiphol Airport project is a prime example of CPD in action. Deerns’ expert team used CPD to evaluate different structural and architectural scenarios, creating an online platform for continuous input and analysis. This approach not only raised the bar for digital infrastructure but also demonstrated the power of CPD in achieving high-quality, precise evaluations.

Collaboration is key

Conventional simulation methods often dealt with individual variables in isolation. CPD, however, brings multiple variables together, creating a more holistic approach to building design.

Deerns’ approach allows us to leverage data-driven design in a highly collaborative environment. This process enhances the dialogue between engineers and architects. Clear, data-driven insights foster collaboration, ensuring that architectural aesthetics and sustainability performance criteria are both met with fewer costly changes down the line.

The ultimate goal is to create healthier, safer, more sustainable, and more cost-effective environments.

Benefits include:

• Informed decision-making: CPD provides architects with clear, data-driven insights and options, allowing them to make informed design choices from the outset without compromising aesthetics. For example, when designing shading systems, CPD allows us to test several configurations and measure their impact on daylight, heating, and cooling.
• Enhanced sustainability: By modelling various design options, we can ensure that the final design is environmentally friendly and resource efficient. For example, simulating a green roof with plants that reduce water consumption and mitigate the urban heat island effect to ensure that the design is truly sustainable.
• Improved planning and efficiency: While CPD requires a more involved preliminary design phase, the long-term benefits include reduced CAPEX and OPEX. By identifying the optimal design early, fewer changes are needed later, saving time and money.
• Risk reduction: By addressing potential issues early in the design phase, CPD minimises the risk of suboptimal solutions and unnecessary expenses.
• Reliable Results: CPD reduces margins for error, making our solutions highly reliable and effective.

Here’s where we invest in the Future

Deerns is at the forefront of CPD, offering clients a unique and advanced approach to building design. Our professional team includes top experts in building physics and digital design. Our teams across different countries already enjoy a highly collaborative work culture, and we are now expanding CPD expertise across our international teams to offer our CPD services worldwide. Furthermore, we are currently focusing on integrating AI into CPD to enhance predictive modelling and optimisation.

By leveraging CPD, Deerns enhances the efficiency and sustainability of architectural designs and empowers projects with sophisticated, data-driven solutions. This strategic integration anticipates the future of building design.