Simulation is yet to obtain an official definition in current BIM protocols.
However, the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry nowadays widely accept Simulation as multiple simulations that aid sustainability, wellness, and value engineering aspects of a project.
Simulation mainly focus on Energy, Daylighting, Thermal Comfort, and HVAC Efficiency analysis, to provide solid proofs to help clients in making smart decisions on various aspects for Value Engineering
In actual format, it covers a variety of simulations, such as Energy Use Intensity (EUI), Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE), Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA), etc.
All these simulations are seamlessly associated with Sustainability and Wellness certifications such as LEED (USGBC), WELL (IWBI), RESET (GIGA), BCA Green Mark (Singapore BCA), China GB Standards (China Institute of Standards), etc. as necessities, as well as indicators to reflect the efficiency and functionality aspects of a design.
All great decisions came from collective visions via an integrative process.
Simulation simulates the key aspects of how the building can be operated in a case-by-case customized way: save energy, more natural light, thermal variance allows the occupants to work with their ideal environment.
If Virtual Construction Phasing is to build virtually before the actual construction, Simulation is to simulate virtually before the actual occupancy.
In AEC industry nowadays, the typical way of doing Simulation is fragmented: Lighting Consultants, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Sustainability Consultants, Wellness Consultants are all work in isolation – i.e. work on their part of specifications without real integration as a team using a holistic approach.
