Building Performance Modeling (BPM)
This course covers the conceptual foundations and practical applications of whole-building energy simulation for high-performance building design.
Student work from the BS2025 Student Modeling Competition. Design optimization of the Bundanon Art Museum & The Bridge by Yuqing Huang, Jiwon Kim, Leo Ma, Mackenzie Wilhelm and Minghao Xu, instructed by Yiqun Pan.
This course covers the conceptual foundations and practical applications of whole-building energy simulation for high-performance building design. Students model architectural envelopes, HVAC, lighting, and building-integrated solar power systems. Through project-based, collaborative studies, the course integrates theoretical lectures with hands-on application of state-of-the-art software like Climate Studio, eQUEST, IESVE and EnergyPlus.
The course refreshes key concepts in building physics and thermodynamics while exploring the critical link between Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Building Energy Modeling (BEM). Emphasis is placed on using simulation from the early design stages to evaluate performance and improve design solutions. Students develop analytical skills and learn data visualization techniques to enhance interdisciplinary decision-making, preparing them to design innovative and sustainable buildings.