Comparison of conventional, parametric and evolutionary optimization approaches for the architectural design of nearly zero energy buildings

The research investigates how different design approaches and computational methods can be integrated in the design process of energy efficient and comfortable buildings. Three approaches were studied: A scenario-by-scenario conventional design approach, a parametric approach and an evolutionary optimization approach. To explore the potential and limitation of such methods, a nearly Zero-Energy Building (nZEB) prototype, named Autarki 1:1 (Greek word for self- sufficient), was designed and built on the campus of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. The performance optimization was achieved with different tools: EnergyPlus, jEplus and jEplus+EA. The experiment allowed the evaluation and discussion of optimization techniques compatibility with an architectural design process. The user- friendliness, the time required for inputting and computing, the related need of hardware resources and the effectiveness of each strategy are described.