Building Performance Simulation for Design and Operation

Building Performance Simulation for Design and Operation, 3rd Edition provides a unique overview of building performance simulation across the complete building life-cycle, from conception to demolition, and from individual buildings to district-level analysis. It demonstrates how computational methods can predict building behaviour before construction begins, enabling more sustainable, comfortable, and efficient building design and operation. The book explores the theoretical foundations of building performance modelling drawn from physics, mathematics, material science, biophysics, human behavioural, environmental, and computational sciences. It details how simulation techniques have evolved from basic software features to sophisticated tools that address the complex interactions between building components and systems. Readers will discover practical applications for heating, cooling, lighting, airflow, and energy use predictions, along with methods for improving existing building operations. This third edition includes four new chapters on topics such as digital twins, data visualization techniques, and pedagogical approaches to building performance. All chapters have been thoroughly revised to reflect the considerable advancements in the field incorporating state-of-the-art developments and future research directions in computational building performance assessment. The primary audience includes post-graduate students in architectural, environmental, and mechanical engineering disciplines who seek essential concepts of computational support for performance-based design and operation. Building and systems designers, engineers, and operators will also benefit from the book's practical examples and insights into using simulation for real-world applications.