The potential of non-manifold topology in the early design stages

The importance of decisions made during the early design stages has prompted researchers to advocate the use of building performance simulation (BPS) during that stage. This paper investigates non-manifold topology (NTM) as a novel approach to 3D modelling that has the potential to be highly compatible with the early design stages and with the input requirements for BPS. The proposed approach avoids the process of simplifying polyhedral models produced by Building Information Modelling (BIM) software to conduct BPS. In particular, NTM allows for a clear segmentation of a building, unambiguous space boundaries, and perfectly matched surfaces and glazing subsurfaces. The NTM approach was tested through a software prototype that integrates 3D modelling software and an energy simulation engine.

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