VIII. Final design evaluation

During the initial design process the designer has available a wide range of design tools and guidelines that begin with climatic analysis of the specific site using bioclimatic analysis and comparative data on glass/mass relationships. The orientation and shading of window areas can be assessed by inspection to determine the design forms and visual implications. Later precise shading dimensions can be determined with sun position charts and other commonly available tools.

On completion of the initial design a variety of methods can be used to test the design detail. This chapter describes four approaches from the very basic steady-state analysis through the 5-star design rating assessment procedure to the use of computer models. The model described in this document is the CSIRO program CHEETAH, an easy-to-use simulation program that uses recorded hourly weather data. When operated on currently available IBM/AT machines the calculations are made very quickly. Modern personal computers have become so powerful that such programs can be used for quick analysis as well as detailed analysis. Results from CHEETAH are discussed later in this chapter. Other methods are described for use where such computers are not readily available.