Building performance simulation and monitoring

Part 1

Given the increasing demand for higher levels of sustainability in the built environment, alongside the growing complexity of smart and integrated design solutions, there is a pressing need for design support methodologies that enable efficient and effective operation of smart and sustainable buildings. Future architectural engineers must be equipped to make informed decisions based on a solid understanding of the underlying physical principles, as well as a clear awareness of the dynamic interactions among climate conditions, building form and structure, (renewable) energy systems, building controls, user behavior, and integration within the urban context.

The objectives of this course are to present the theoretical foundations and operational principles of building performance simulation and monitoring. Additionally, the course introduces performance-based analysis methods to support data-driven and performance-oriented design. Validation plays a crucial role in confirming the accuracy of virtual simulation models and in assessing trade-offs between indoor climate quality, cost-effectiveness, and environmental performance.

As part of the course, students will develop an energy model to explore the opportunities and challenges associated with state-of-the-art building performance simulation techniques, gaining hands-on experience in using these tools for the design of resilient and high-performance buildings.

Part 2

Given the increasing demand for higher levels of sustainability in the built environment, and the growing complexity of smart and integrated design solutions to achieve this, there is a need for design support methodologies that facilitate efficient and effective smart and sustainable building operation. Future architectural engineers need to be able to make informed decisions based on a thorough understanding of the governing physical principles, and awareness of the dynamic interactions between climate conditions; building shape and structure; (renewable) energy systems; building controls; the building user; and the integration in the urban environment. The objectives of this course are to present the underlying theoretical and operational principles of building performance simulation and monitoring. Also, the course seeks to introduce performance-based analysis to support data-driven or performance-based design. Validation plays an essential tool to validate the virtual simulation models and help in assessing the trade-offs between indoor climate, cost-effectiveness, and environmental performance. An energy model will be created during the course to highlight the opportunities and challenges of state-of-the-art building performance simulation techniques and to provide hands-on training in the use of such tools in high-performance building design.

Part 1

Given the increasing complexity of energy and environmental performance in the building sector, building performance modeling and monitoring are emerging as essential approaches for design and performance evaluation. This course aims to introduce the theoretical and operational principles underlying these advanced technologies. Using DesignBuilder, a series of exercises will guide students through the key concepts, assumptions, and limitations associated with current building performance simulation methods.

The objectives of this course are to:

• Introduce performance-based analysis as a valuable tool for assessing trade-offs between indoor climate, cost-effectiveness, and environmental performance.
  
  
• Highlight the opportunities and challenges of state-of-the-art building performance simulation and provide hands-on training in the use of such software.
  
  
• Apply the presented concepts to create a valid building simulation model and test the influence of parametric variations.
  
  
• Compare the performance of different design strategies and validate a building performance simulation model through calibration, in order to assess the uncertainty of simulation outcomes for building design decision support.
  
  

Part 2

Given the increasing complexity of energy/environmental performance in the building sector, building performance modeling and monitoring are emerging as a viable approach to design and performance evaluation. This course aims to give an introduction to the theoretical and operational principles underlying those new technologies. By selecting DesignBuilder, a series of exercises introduces the concepts, assumptions, and limitations which underlie the methods currently used to perform building performance simulations.
The objectives of this course are to:

• Introduce performance-based analysis as a useful tool for assessing the trade-offs between indoor climate, cost-effectiveness, and environmental performance.
• Highlight the opportunities and challenges of state-of-the-art building performance simulation and provide hands-on training in the use of such software.
• Apply the presented concepts in order to create a valid building simulation model and test the influence of parametric variations.
• Compare the performance of different design measures and validate a building performance simulation model through calibration in order to assess the uncertainty of simulation outcomes for building design decision support.

Part 1

ARCH0080-1: Building Physics and HVAC, or an equivalent course (e.g., Heat Transfer)

This course is taught in English. It is assumed that all previously attended English-taught courses are considered prerequisites for this course.

Part 2

ARCH0080-1: Physique du bâtiment et climatization or equivalent (e.g. heat transfer)
This course is taught in English. It is assumed that all English courses attended earlier are considered as a prerequisite for this course.

Part 1

The course will be structured around ex-cathedra lectures, guided discussions, assigned readings, hands-on exercises, and a case study project.

Part 2

The course will be based on ex-cathedra lectures, discussions, readings, practical exercises, and project (case study).

Part 1

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Lectures introduce the main theories and concepts and must be attended by all participants.

Self-study involves reading assigned articles, studying core principles, applying them, and reflecting on their implications. Students are expected to read the assigned articles before each lecture. A list of eight articles will be provided during the course. Readings will be discussed weekly in class. For each session, students must prepare a summary of the assigned article, demonstrating a deep understanding, critical analysis, and a personal critique.

Group exercises allow participants to discuss, apply, compare, and contrast different academic perspectives and modeling techniques presented during the lectures. These exercises will take place in small groups. Students will be asked to present and discuss readings and/or case studies.

Case study: Participants will be evaluated based on the quality of their monitored and simulated case study. Each team must select a real building, monitor its performance (e.g., temperature, humidity, monthly energy use), and develop a simulation model that accurately reflects the building's geometry, envelope, and system characteristics. Additional credit will be given for the accuracy of model inputs and the quality of the model calibration. Since the objective is to learn through the process of creating and analyzing a simulation model, each team is required to submit both a final report and the simulation files. The report will be graded based on the quality of the model, the analysis performed, and the clarity of the documentation.

Part 2

Face-to-face course


Additional information:

• Lectures introduce the main theories and concepts. There are to be attended by all participants.
• Self-study: reading articles, studying, applying, and reflecting on principles. Students are required to read articles before lectures. A list of eight articles will be provided during the course. Readings will be discussed weekly in class. A summary of each article should be prepared for each class. The summary should demonstrate a deep understanding, analysis, and include a critique.
• Group exercises enable participants to discuss, apply, compare and contrast different academic perspectives and modeling techniques presented in plenary lectures. Exercises take place within groups. Students are asked to present and discuss readings and/or case studies.

Part 1

Other site(s) used for course materials
- G-Drive (https://shorturl.at/2nPCm)


Further information:

Check the reading list provided by the lecturer.

Part 2

 Check the reading list provided by the teacher.

Part 1

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam

Written work / report


Further information:

Students who miss more than two course sessions without justification may not be admitted to the exam.

Assessment breakdown:

• Closed-book exam: 80% of the final grade
  
  
• Case study: 20% of the final grade
  
  
• Group exercises: Pass/Fail
  
  

Part 2

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( open-ended questions )

Written work / report


Additional information:

Students who did not attend the course session (more than two unjustified absences) may not be admitted to the exam. 
Closed book:           100% of grade
Group exercise:    Pass/fail
Exam: A three-hour closed book exam raises open questions related to the lectures, readings, and case studies. The exam comprises nine main questions: once on each of the academic lectures and one on the linkage between concepts. Each question has sub-questions that test whether students understand the main concepts and simulation techniques related to the application of theory. Participants choose four questions to answer.
 

Part 1

GMAIL: Class notes will be available in the class folder on GMAIL. A set of reference manuals is also accessible via the course link and in electronic format within the same folder. Easy and regular access to the full set of manuals is essential for achieving strong performance in this course.

Office Hours:
Fridays, 15:00 - 17:00
Or by appointment.

Dr. Attia can be reached in Building B52, Room +0/542,
or by email: shady.attia@uliege.be

 

Helpful Hints for Success in This Course:

• Attend all lectures. Download the lecture notes from GMAIL before class. Keep your notes well-organized-either in a dedicated notebook or digitally on your laptop. Try not to fall behind.
  
  
• Ask questions during class. Make sure you fully understand the course content and the assigned readings.
  
  
• Use office hours. Drop by during office hours, schedule an appointment, or email your questions.
  
  
• Work in groups to improve your understanding of the assignments. However, your individual performance will be assessed, especially in the project. It is essential that you independently learn how to read, analyze, synthesize, and critique the assigned readings.
  
  
• Visit your case study building as early as possible. Begin gathering input data and launch your measurement campaign early to allow sufficient time for model calibration.
  
  

Part 2

GMAIL: Class notes will be placed in the class folder on GMAIL. A set of reference manuals is available on the course link, and in electronic form in the class folder. Ready access to the complete set of manuals is necessary for the best performance in this class.
  Office Hours: Friday 15:00 - 17:00 a.m.
or by appointment,
Dr. Attia can be reached in the B52 building, room # +0/542,
or by email: shady.attia@uliege.be
  Helpful hints for doing well in this class:

• Attend the lectures. Download the lecture notes from GMAIL before class. Keep your notes in a well-organized notebook, or bring them on your laptop. Try not to fall behind.
• Ask questions in class. Make sure that you understand the course material and reading papers.
• Drop-by during office hours and ask questions, make an appointment and drop-by, or email me if you have questions.
• You are allowed to work in groups to obtain a better understanding of the assignments. However, your performance on your project will be based on what you know and therefore it is good idea to make sure you understand how to read/ analyze /synthesize /criticize the assignment reading by yourself.

Part 1

Shady Attia, Ph.D., USGBC Faculty and LEED Accredited Professional  Prof. in Sustainable Architecture & Building Technology Head of Sustainable Building Design (SBD) Lab
ArGEnCo Dept., Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Liège
Batiment 52, Bureau: (0/542)  Quartier Polytech 1, Allée de la Découverte 9 4000 Liège, Belgique
Tél:  +32 43.66.91.55 - email: shady.attia@uliege.be http://www.sbd.ulg.ac.be/ 

Part 2

Shady Attia, Ph.D., USGBC Faculty and LEED Accredited Professional  Prof. in Sustainable Architecture & Building Technology Head of Sustainable Building Design (SBD) Lab
ArGEnCo Dept., Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Liège
Batiment 52, Bureau: (0/542)  Quartier Polytech 1, Allée de la Découverte 9 4000 Liège, Belgique
Tél:  +32 43.66.91.55 - email: shady.attia@uliege.be http://www.sbd.ulg.ac.be/ 

Part 1

Lien eCampus
Lien eCampus