ClimateStudio in the Classroom
by Yu Qian Ang | 18 June 2024
In early 2024, ClimateStudio was integrated into the Digital Construction course at the National University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering. The core course, led by Yu Qian Ang, attracts over 50 students annually and has been revamped to introduce building performance simulation concepts and technical skills to undergraduate students in the built environment.
The main course project required students to form groups of 2-3 and select a campus building of their choice. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the building's physical characteristics, the students conducted site visits and captured photographs. They then modelled and zoned the buildings using Rhinoceros 3D (Rhino), and performed various building performance simulations, including daylight, energy, and solar analyses using ClimateStudio (see Image Gallery below). After establishing the baseline energy use, students proposed energy conservation measures to improve the building's energy use intensity.
Despite being first-year undergraduates with no prior modeling and simulation experience, the students found that ClimateStudio's user-friendly interface and intuitive design made it easy to learn and grasp the concepts behind the simulations and their results. The software's accessibility allowed students to quickly develop the necessary skills to conduct meaningful building performance analyses.
The integration of ClimateStudio into the Digital Construction course has proven to be a valuable addition, empowering students with the tools and knowledge needed to create more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings.
Crowdsource Campus Digital Twin for Building Performance Simulations
The student-generated models, building templates, and simulation results will be hosted on a live, crowdsourced NUS Digital Twin platform, which will be continuously updated and expanded by future cohorts. This platform will serve as a valuable resource for students, researchers, and professionals interested in building performance simulations in the Asian context.
Screenshot of the NUS Digital Twin Platform.
To further support learning and adoption, the platform will also feature recordings and simulation tutorials specifically tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the Asian built environment. These resources are currently under development and will be designed to provide practical guidance and best practices for conducting building performance simulations in the region.
The NUS Digital Twin platform, supported by ClimateStudio, represents a significant step forward in the field of building performance simulation education and research. By leveraging the collective knowledge and efforts of students across multiple cohorts, the platform will foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation in the field.
As the course continues to evolve, ClimateStudio remains an essential tool in educating and inspiring future professionals. The integration of ClimateStudio and the development of the NUS Digital Twin platform demonstrate the National University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering's commitment to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of creating a more sustainable built environment in Asia and beyond.
