A critical and theoretical analysis of current proposals for integrating building thermal simulation tools into the building design process

This paper critically examines the main trends in attempting the integration of building thermal simulation tools throughout the whole building design process, focusing on studies related to building design only, not addressing studies related to HVAC and servicing engineering design. It presents a review of the research literature on the issue showing that, so far, attempts have been concentrated in propositions to improve thermal simulation tools data interpretation as well as propositions to improve the role of tools in building design practice. Examples of the literature related to the two topics are critically examined by considering their effectiveness in addressing the interdisciplinary problem of integration. This critical examination leads to a thorough mapping of specific reasons about why integration is not happening, complementing the current information provided from empirical studies on the matter. Even though the author recognises integrated design should account for HVAC and servicing, it is necessary to first have a discussion that addresses assimilating simulation tools into the design process if proper integrated design is to happen.

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