An exploration of the option space in student design projects for uncertainty and sensitivity analysis with performance simulation

This paper describes research conducted to gather empirical evidence on extent, character and content of the option space in building design projects, from the perspective of a climate engineer using building performance simulation for concept evaluation. The goal is to support uncertainty analysis and sensitivity analysis integrated to building performance simulation (BPS) tools. The integration will need to assist design rather than automate design, allowing a spontaneous, creative and flexible process that acknowledges the expertise of the design team members. The paper investigates the emergent option space and its inherent uncertainties of an artificial setting (student design studios). The preliminary findings provide empirical evidence of the high variability of the option space that can be subjected to uncertainty analysis and sensitivity analysis.