A tool for thermal analysis of conceptual design

In contemporary architectural design, the indoor climate receives little attention. Most architects are not familiar with the typical problems and solutions involved in climate design. However, it is this relation that provides much control over the initial climate conditions and can prevent costly artificial solutions. As a result, many design decisions are made without insight into the consequences on the indoor climate. In order to educate architects and students of architecture in the effects of their design decisions in the area of thermal performance, we build a tool for temperature analysis of conceptual designs. This tool involves a new interface for the leading temperature overheating tool in the Netherlands (VA114). The interface concentrates primarily on architectural elements that have a large influence on thermal performance. Designers can input their design and receive predictions on the designs temperature profiles and energy use.