Model Geometry Tips for Schematic Design (SD) Phases with IESVE Software

Model Geometry Tips for Schematic Design (SD) Phases with IESVE Software

During the early phases of a project design, e.g. Schematic Design (SD), architects and engineers typically require schematic-level model geometry of a building in order to complete and compare various design scenarios.  Performance analysis may include HVAC loads size estimation, system selection, façade optimization, building energy modeling and daylight simulation. The simplified geometry can be quickly created using various wizards and tools in IESVE Software.

Five important tools are available to create simplified geometry. These are listed below and demonstrated in this video:

• “Schematic Geometry Wizard” and “Starter Geometry”: the wizard allows quick creation of basic architectural building footprints, site orientations and glazing configurations. A user might alternatively use a starter geometry which allows selection of building geometry from a list of pre-defined prototype buildings for analysis of relative metrics e.g. Energy Use Intensity (EUI).

• Schematic Design (SD) tools: A user can use simple modeling tools and commands to create a simplified building geometry from scratch.  These include: Draw Prism, create Perimeter Zones, Add Void(s)/Split Space(s) Vertically, Create Storeys & Edit Glazing/Doors & Louvers.

• Open Street Map (OSM): this tool allows to quickly import adjacent real buildings from map to the project site for modeling shadows casted on project building. 

• Shoebox modeling: The technique of using a simple shoebox model represents a typical room or zone and then variations of the shoebox are created for parametric study of a goal metric, such as window-to-wall ratio, glazing orientations, façade shade, optimum daylighting, thermal comfort, etc.

You can watch this video to better understand these step-by-step modeling techniques for “Creating Model Geometry with IESVE”.

In Part 2 of a related article, “Detailed Design (DD) Geometry with IESVE Software” alternative techniques will be discussed for more detailed Design Development (DD) phases.