Modern analysis and simulation tools and skills for the evaluation and design of urban projects

Abstract

Currently most of the growth of the human population takes place in the cities. Urban areas become more densely populated. Simultaneously cities are recognized as the leading producers of CO2 emissions. For these reasons, in the coming years, reducing energy use and mitigating air pollution in the cities will be critical. For decades, urban planners have attempted to make cities more sustainable and energy efficient. However, understanding the complex interactions among all factors, the environment and urban microclimates on citywide scales is a complicated challenge. Only in recent years development of computer programs in BIM standard have enabled comprehensive large-scale simulations and analyzes of urban environments. 3D-CAD software modeling tools includes an interactive virtual environment that examines the dynamic physical processes associated with energy use and pollutant dispersion in settings ranging from neighborhoods to cities and metropolitan areas. Energy inventory in an urban scale, organized by the municipal authorities is nowadays the most justified. With the capabilities of modern software such task is feasible and economically viable. Inventory should based on simplified models of the buildings with the most important parameters such as: - basic dimensions and volume of buildings - description of thermal insulation of the building envelope - surface and thermal properties of windows - the source of heating and hot water - the solution of ventilation system in the building