Multi-objective optimization for structure and energy in the case of multistory buildings with atriums

This research shows that a successful workflow exists that compares structural efficiency with operational energy efficiency for buildings that incorporate natural ventilation practices. The parametric model successfully generates floor-framing plans with atriums that are similar to industry standards. Furthermore, this research follows a workflow that allows one to search through a series of building designs to find options that minimize embodied energy while maintaining a minimum usable square footage. The models generated in Rhino can then quickly be analyzed in SimCFD to find the cooling and natural lighting potentials. A review of the results generated in this thesis answers the questions: "How far can we push structural optimization while designing for occupant comfort using natural ventilation and buoyancy effects? And 2) What constraints are put on a building's global design when cooling and heating is accomplished with natural air flows?"

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2016

Author dc:creator

• Duke, Jessica (Jessica Anne)

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Caitlin T. Mueller.

• Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/104196

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/104196