Toward Platform-based Building Design

TL;DR

This paper advocates for a platform-based design framework in building design, inspired by electronic industry practices, to improve automation, reuse, and optimization in complex building projects.

Contribution

It introduces a modular, systematic approach using PBD to enhance building design processes and demonstrates its application through a case study in HVAC system design.

Findings

Improved design efficiency through modular PBD framework

Enhanced reuse of design components and systems

Successful application in HVAC system case study

Abstract

The electronic design industry has undergone a significant transformation, transitioning from traditional hand-drawn designs to modern automated design processes. While Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools emerged alongside the electronic industry, the current building design process has little to no automation. There is a need for a unified platform to address the complexity of building design and provide a more systematic approach. Platform-based design (PBD), originally developed in the electronic industry, enables efficient design processes by promoting the reuse of hardware and software systems. It also facilitates design space exploration while optimizing performance. This paper proposes a modular approach that divides the building into various disciplines and introduces a design flow using the PBD framework to streamline the design process. We also present a case study that demonstrates the use of the PBD framework in the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems design.