From Building Information Models to Building Performance Simulation: parametric workflow for high performance building envelope design for daylight and glare analysis

This thesis examines what kind of information is transferred from a 3D model, constructed in BIM software program (Revit), to a VPL software program (Grasshopper), in order to run building performance simulation analysis, more precisely daylight and glare analysis, while using a third-party plugin called Rhino Inside Revit. The thesis is structured in multiple chapters according to what type of research was done. Following that, Chapter 2 focuses on a quick review about importance of building envelope while using BPSTs for visual comfort analysis. It continues with an explanation of daylight analysis simulation tools, considering BIM software programs as modeling tool and VPL as analyzing software programs. The interoperability between them, errors and data loss is also taking part into this chapter. Lastly, design impact factors and physical variables of visual comfort KPIs and briefly going through their meaning in the analysis of building envelope performance. Next, Chapter 3 is focused on two case studies (single-zone and multi-zone model), starting from making the models in Revit, importing the components in Grasshopper using Rhino Inside Revit, exploring the steps of developing an algorithm for correctly constructed Honeybee model for later analysis mainly using Ladybug and Honeybee as simulation tools and lastly running the simulations. Chapter 4 consists the results of the simulations, where the comparison is made between the results given by the simulation analysis using different strategies for shading devices. Finally in Chapter 5 and 6 there is a discussion and conclusion that explains the strengths, challenges, limitations and suggestions for future studies.