Model-based optimization and sensitivity analysis techniques provide designers optimized design solutions together with the sensitivity of the design goals to potential changes in a design solution. An analysis of the optimized trade-off between conflicting design goals (these often being energy use and capital investment), and the sensitivity of the goals to changes in the design solution, can result in the robust selection of a design solution for construction. This seminar gives an overview of the relationship between multi-objective design optimization methods and techniques for uncertainty and sensitivity analysis. The common framework for implementing model-based building optimization is briefly described, together with an overview of the way in which the characteristics of the building optimization problem can change through the building life-cycle. Two examples of the application of optimization and sensitivity analysis methods are presented; both examples are for a multi-objective optimization problem, one focused on the cellular design of fenestration, and the second taken from the scheme design stage of the building.

A recording of this seminar is available at:  https://vimeo.com/74416835