Green Design Studio: A Modular Interface for Multi-Scale Building Performance Simulation in Architectural Practice

¹ Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
² School of Architecture, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
³ Geography and the Environment Department, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA

Abstract

Abstract. Building performance simulation tools remain underutilized in architectural practice despite their potential to inform resource-conscious design decisions. This gap persists because existing simulation software either demands specialized engineering expertise or oversimplifies the modeling process at the expense of accuracy and design flexibility. Compounding this challenge, design questions frequently span multiple simulation domains—envelope optimization affects both thermal loads and natural ventilation potential; occupancy patterns influence both energy consumption and indoor air quality—yet current workflows require parallel tool configurations with manual parameter synchronization. This paper presents Green Design Studio (GDS), a modular interface layer that bridges validated simulation engines with architect-friendly Rhino-Grasshopper parametric workflows. GDS interfaces with EnergyPlus for thermal simulation through Honeybee, CONTAM for multizone airflow analysis through the ANT plugin, and provides extensible architecture for future engine integration. A unified translation layer converts interface interactions into engine-specific formats, enabling modifications to propagate automatically across simulation domains without redundant specification. GDS introduces a "modular modification" approach enabling precise, element-level control over building component properties without requiring whole-model regeneration, addressing a fundamental usability barrier in performance-driven design exploration. The system architecture comprises six integrated modules—Space, Envelope, Schedule & Program, HVAC, Site & Weather, and Renewables—each encapsulating domain-specific parameters within a unified Rhino environment that eliminates context switching between graphical modeling and visual programming platforms. Validation confirms that GDS-generated models produce results identical to experimental measurement, ensuring the interface layer introduces no computational artifacts while reducing workflow complexity. GDS represents a contribution toward democratizing multi-domain building performance simulation for architectural practice while preserving the computational rigor essential for reliable design feedback.