Parametric modeling and building performance simulation tools allow architects to predict and evaluate visual comfort during the design process, according to which they can purposefully adjust the design alternatives. Unfortunately, the simulation tools currently available can not produce results fast enough for interactive use, which force the visual comfort simulation to occur late in the design process as a form of design validation rather than a means of design assistance during design ideation, if at all.
For architecture to benefit from daylight as a practical, glare-free alternative to electric lighting, daylighting and visual comfort simulations must be available in real time and interactive before decisions are made. This paper describes three innovations towards this goal: Firstly, parametric models of retrofit design alternatives are defined based on the survey and analysis of the multisport facilities. Secondly, a fast prediction and interactive design method is proposed, additionally, a design workflow that integrates the parametric modeling, real-time visual comfort simulation and feedback, post analysis and results visualization is established. At last, a real-time simulation and feedback platform for evaluating visual comfort is used which combines parametric modeling software (Rhinoceros & Grasshopper) and real-time performance simulation software (AcceleradRT & AcceleradVR).
To facilitate designers in achieving the proposed method, the effectiveness validation of the method is conducted via a multisport facility in northeast China. The results demonstrate that the proposed method is reliable with simulation accuracy and consistency. Assisted by the computational platform, the architects’ decision-making efficiencies and levels are obviously improved.