VIRTUALWIND AT EVERY STAGE

Virtualwind can be used effectively at every stage in the design process. Ease-of-use and flexibility in the front-end are combined with a robust microclimate simulation back-end that provides full-featured data analysis and visualization. Thus, the product serves as a valuable tool at each step:

•   Master Planning - During the master planning stage, as ideas and concepts are being developed and considered, early designs can be created with the level of available detail, including surrounding terrain and existing buildings. Early design guidance regarding microclimate influences and overall site design can be visualized and analyzed. Meteorological reviews can consider microclimate impacts under various weather conditions. Early concept charrettes can benefit from visualizations and data analyses that can be considered by multiple design team perspectives

•   Conceptual Design - Building form, orientation and placement can be considered as it impacts the localized microclimate around the building, how it will be influenced by neighboring buildings, and the impact that this new building will have on its neighborhood. LEED and sustainable goals can be analyzed for achievability based on initial microclimate indicators. Feasibility studies of various design options can be undertaken to optimize microclimate considerations.  Integrated workshops can analyze visualizations and data from Virtualwind simulations to optimize conceptual design options.

•   Schematic Design - Detailed studies of microclimate impacts of design components can be undertaken. Proof-of-concept simulation can be performed to confirm appropriate optimization of designs for energy efficiency, comfort and safety. Compliance modeling can be performed and submitted for preliminary consideration by planning departments and licensors. Initial LEED documentation can include simulation data analyses and visualization outputs.

•   Design Development - As detailed designs of building components are completed, Virtualwind simulations can be easily run to confirm conformance to microclimate requirements, and to analyze wind impacts. Further refinements can be analyzed to optimize microclimate aspects of the design. LEED compliance can be confirmed.

•   Construction documents - During completion of the construction documents, LEED compilation and commissioning will include compliance and monitoring requirements defined by the Virtualwind visualizations and analyses to determine optimal placements.