Parametric analysis as a methodical approach that facilitates the exploration of the creative space in low-energy and zero-energy design projects

Most – if not all - methodical approaches found in literature that describe the creation of environmentally sustainable architecture agree on the importance of inter-disciplinarity and the early integration of building system strategies and the importance of the comfort of the user. Today most people agree that it is important, or even crucial, that architects and engineers cooperate from the beginning of the process. But there is still no consensus about how or when this should happen. This paper discusses how inter-disciplinarity can be achieved in an integrated design process aiming at low-energy or zero-energy building design.

The paper discusses professional differences between two of the main actors involved in integrated design processes; engineers and architects, as well as a methodical approach to investigation and delimitation of the creative space of a specific project. The paper furthermore discusses the development of tools that support proactive design strategy development.