BUILDING PERFORMANCE SIMULATION AS EDUCATIONAL TOOL FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT DESIGN

Objective: This article explores the effectiveness of using buinding performance simulation as teaching tool to help students design more energy-efficient buildings. Theoretical Framework: As building performance simulation tools play a critical role in carbon emissions reduction, advanced tools are already available and will continue to grow in number and complexity. A review of existing literature indicates that using these tools during the design phase can significantly enhance building’s energy efficiency and its overall performance. Therefore, equipping students—future architects—with the skills to apply building peformance simulation tools is essential for promoting sustainable design practices. Method: This experimental study evaluates the effectiveness of building performance simulation as an instructional tool for improving building design. The participants included nine students from the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), enrolled in the course Building Utilities II: Illumination, Acoustics, and Electrical Building Services during the Spring 2025 semester. The experiment was structured in three phases: Initial building design assessment and energy performance simulation; design improvements through acoustic enhancements of selected spaces, followed by a second round of energy performance simulation. The study concludes with a comparative analysis of building energy performance before and after the design improvements. Results and Discussion: Findings indicate that integration of building performance simulation tools into the design process leads to improvements in building energy performance and motivate students’ interactive learning. Research Implications: Although some academic programs have already incorporated simulation tools into their curricula, this research encourages broader adoption of them as design teaching tools among institutions that have yet to do so. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the advancement of teaching methodologies in architectural design education by aligning them with the growing emphasis on energy-efficient building design.