Energy Expert: an expert system for architects

Abstract Principles of Expert Systems have been applied in different knowledge-rich domains such as geology, medicine, engineering and computer science. Not much effort has, however, been done to develop expert systems in architecture. This paper presents a prototype advisory expert system, called ENERGY EXPERT which we have developed for the schematic design phase of an architectural design project. ENERGY EXPERT quickly computes the approximate energy performance of a building in a year, analyzes the energy performance, and gives advice to the designer on possible ways of improving the design. The suggested modifications are intended to make the building more energy efficient and help cut down on heating and cooling costs. ENERGY EXPERT is a rule-based expert system written in Turbo Prolog. The paper also describes the principles of a rule-based expert system.