Applying a decision-making framework for resolving conflicts when selecting windows and blinds

Abstract

The selection of the most appropriate window and blind design is a challenging task due to the existence of potential conflicts between visual comfort, thermal comfort, energy consumption and life cycle cost. Resolving these conflicts relies on a trade-off window and blind design. This research applied a decision-making framework to select a trade-off window and blind design for an office room in Sweden. The decisionmaking framework was developed based on integrating the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm-II and the analytical hierarchy process. The first step in the application of the framework was to generate a model of the office room using EnergyPlus. Six types of window and four types of blind; an internal venetian blind, an internal roller curtain, an external venetian blind and an external overhang panel, were modelled in EnergyPlus. The second step was to run an optimisation using non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II. For this purpose, various window and blind design variables were specified in modeFRONTIER platform. The third and last step in the application of the decision-making framework was to select a trade-off window and blind design using analytical hierarchy process. The results show the strength of the decision-making framework in selecting a trade-off design, and thereby the ability to resolve conflicts through intelligent use of simulation in analyzing big-data in built environment, energy and cost sectors. Since, the computation and processing power for performing simulations is constantly increasing, architects and designers can exploit the decision-making framework and locate a trade-off design in a relatively short period of time.

Norm and form. The “window” element as an example of revision of Turin’s regulatory system

“…The result of the work proposed in this article is to offer a tool to facilitate the use of existing building regulations, and to accompany the designer in managing the union between standard and form, not the determination of a new replacement formula compared to the sector's literature, which deals with natural lighting (Boubekri 2004;Imrie 2004Imrie , 2007Jalilzadehazhari et al, 2019;Kacel and Lau 2018;Kangas 2018;Mardaljevic 2008;Mardaljevic et. al., 2011).…”

“…This is because of the relationship between the internal characteristics of the buildings and the characteristics of the fabric in which they are inserted. Even if this proposal is a purely technical action, the introduction of RAI-Enhanced can feed the debate on the transformation of the ordinary city and lead to greater aware-cupa di illuminazione naturale (Boubekri 2004;Imrie 2004Imrie , 2007Jalilzadehazhari et al, 2019;Kacel and Lau 2018;Kangas 2018;Mardaljevic 2008;Mardaljevic et. al., 2011).…”