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2024 | Environmental Performance Simulation | Carnegie Mellon University, MSSD
Guidance: Professor Dave Parker and TA Meghna Roy
Role in Group of 2: Climate study, Glare analysis, Thermal performance evaluation, UTCI assessment, and Visual representation through diagrams.
Challenge: Reducing building energy use and carbon emissions while balancing daylight, thermal comfort, and outdoor usability through design decisions rather than assumptions.
Solution: A performance-driven, iterative design process using climate, radiation, and daylight simulations to inform massing, zoning, shading, and landscape strategies, resulting in a 72% EUI reduction and significant carbon savings.
This project explores the evolution of environmental performance simulation for a small office building in Washington, DC, designed for 15-20 occupants. The office includes an open work area, a lounge, and a conference room, with a focus on optimizing thermal comfort, daylighting, and solar radiation. The design process begins with a climate study, analyzing temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation to inform building layout, orientation, and form. Through iterative simulations, solar radiation mapping, daylighting and glare analysis, and thermal performance evaluations (UTCI and EUI), refine energy efficiency and occupant comfort. The final design integrates these results to create a well-lit, comfortable, and low-energy office space.
Climate: Washington DC
The building is oriented along an east-west axis to maximize southern exposure for passive solar heating, with trees on the west and north sides for wind protection. South-facing windows with overhangs optimize solar gain, while operable windows and skylights enable cross and stack ventilation. Light-colored or green roofs minimize heat absorption. Daylighting strategies, including skylights and light shelves, enhance natural illumination. The open workspace is placed at the south end with ample light, while the less-used conference hall is on a mezzanine to maintain openness and brightness in the main work area.
Iteration 1
We re-evaluated window placement to improve daylighting by introducing smaller, thinner windows on the east and west and reducing high-glare northeast openings. Interior zones were divided into three using partition walls to better reflect programmatic needs, and wall and ceiling finishes were lightened to enhance daylight distribution.
Iteration 2
As DGP and EV improved, the focus shifted to glare control. Overshading and vertical fins were added on east and west façades, window glazing was switched from 66% VT to tinted glass (5.4–7% VLT), and wall finishes were changed to low-reflective materials (LRV < 50%). Partition walls were adjusted to create glare-free workspaces.
Iteration 1
Iteration 2
Using climate studies and radiation analysis, we designed the office in an L-shape to optimize performance. Through extensive trials and an in-depth study of daylighting and glare, we strategically added shading elements, windows, and doors with optimal WWR and positioning. To enhance functionality and aesthetics, we incorporated landscape features, including deciduous and evergreen trees, rain gardens, a seating porch, and a bioswale, creating a cohesive and sustainable office environment.
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