A method for evaluating the problem complex of choosing the ventilation system for a new building

The application of a ventilation system in a new building is a multidimensional complex problem that involves both quantifiable and non-quantifiable data e.g. energy consumption, indoor environment, building integration and architectural expression. This paper presents a structured method for evaluating the performance of a ventilation system in the design process by treating quantifiable and non-quantifiable datasets together. The method is based on general morphological analysis and applies cross-consistency assessment to reduce the problem complex, thus treating the multi-dimensionality, the uncertainty and the subjectivity that arise in the design process on a sound methodological and scientific basis. Using a distance analysis of the shared values, the solution scenarios may be plotted relative to each other, which provides the designer with an illustrated space of solutions. Herein the designer may view multiple ventilation solutions and navigate between them, evaluate the differences and choose a suitable ventilation system in terms of energy consumption, indoor environment and architectural quality.