Guedi Capeluto

Technion - Israel Institute of Technology | technion · Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning

Reducing carbon emissions is one of the major challenges facing policy makers today. Cities need a better grasp of the effects of comprehensive energy retrofitting to deal with this crisis. In this study, an Energetic Profile for Existing Office Buildings concept and its features are presented. It consists of seven architectural parameters from mac...

This CWA, proposed by the BRESAER consortium, provides orientation for the design process of an innovative and adaptable envelope over existing façades for building refurbishment, describing the possible different technologies and components, and providing guidelines on the selection criteria, limitations for the implementation, estimated costs and...

This paper presents a framework for an analysis method and computational tool, which evaluates the fabrication parameters of complex geometries. The suggested method predicts the feasibility, material use, and machining time required for fabricating the moulds for these geometries. It achieves this by interrogating geometric properties instead of t...

Buildings are a major contributor to global energy consumption and energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. In light of the climate crisis, changes in the way we design, construct and use buildings are needed to reduce their environmental impact. Green Building Codes (GBCs) and rating systems have been developed around the world as a basis for gree...

Today, more than half of the world’s population lives in urban areas, a proportion that is expected to rise to 68% by 2050. This is especially challenging in Israel where urban population is more than 90%, and total population is expected to almost double in the next 30 years, posting serious threats to urban areas facing intensive densification pr...

This paper addresses the limitations of existing Solar Envelope (SE) methods to explore the trade-offs of solar radiation and urban shading, and to simultaneously account for several different Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). It offers an alternative parametric workflow-the Solar Block Generator (SBG)-which is based on an additive voxelization me...

Improving the energy efficiency of existing and new buildings is an important step towards achieving more sustainable environments. There are various methods for grading buildings that are required according to regulations in different places for green building certification. However, in new buildings, these rating systems are usually implemented a...

Carbon dioxide is the largest component of the human footprint and one of the major components of all greenhouse gases. The expected increase in population will lead to growth in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The building industry has the highest potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, buildings should become...

The performance of the built environment is an important concern affecting the quality of life and plays a critical role in every urban milieu. However, it generally disappears in the drawing plans. Current planning regulations do not always include performance requirements as part of the planning demands. Additionally, decision-makers lack the met...

You can download a free copy of our new paper: An energetic profile for greener buildings, published in Sustainable Cities and Society. You can download a free copy at: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1bF~j_oGymJCNE

This paper presents an assessment and comparison of the effects of static and kinetic external shading elements on the dynamic measurement of daylighting. For this purpose, we used a method and parametric tool developed previously for the design and analysis of external shading elements in buildings. The proposed approach was used to compare static...

A large proportion of the existing building stock worldwide needs renovation and upgrading that will help comply with new energy codes and reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Improvements with minimal interference to inhabitants can be achieved by upgrading facades using elements that enhance energy efficiency and user comfort. Pr...

This paper presents the results of the second stage of a research aimed at developing a design methodology for concrete façade panels which takes into consideration fabrication constraints. A computational method for the real time evaluation of common industrial mold making techniques such as milling and hot wire cutting was developed. The method r...

Today, architects can conceive an almost infinite variety of complex 3D geometries using modelling software. However, the realization of these geometries is still limited by the capabilities and constraints of the fabrication machinery. The modelling platforms used to design the geometries are still not able to evaluate fabrication parameters such...

The presented research develops methods for introducing fabrication constraints into architectural design, a process often referred to as design rationalization. In the first stage of the research, a computational method for evaluating the fabrication potential of geometries was developed. The method predicts the feasibility, material use and machi...

As digital fabrication processes become more common in the building industry, architects are challenged to design for the capacities of the new fabrication machinery. This paper describes computational methods for evaluating the buildability of architectural elements, in relation to the machine chosen to produce them. We focus on developing methods...

Rationalization is widely recognized as an important design strategy in contemporary architectural projects, especially in projects with complex geometries, built using digital fabrication processes. However, an up to date review of the rationalization strategies used in these projects, their place in the design sequence and their relation to digit...

The chapter provides an introduction to the subject, even though it assumes that readers are familiar with basic building physics’ concepts. It also presents specific definitions to the subject (intelligent, smart, responsive and adaptive) making it clear that the aim of the book has to do with energy-conscious design and architecture of intelligen...

In this chapter, readers can find a description of the design process and considerations that architects and engineers need to take when designing an intelligent envelope. The process is based, among others, on climate and location requirements. Passive and active strategies are contrasted. A description is given of the actions to be used when cons...

In this chapter, mention is made of the wide range of design tools available to support architects from the very beginning of the design process in planning intelligent envelopes, such as energy modeling programs, BIM interfaces, rules of thumb and others, and their suitability, advantages and disadvantages for the different design stages.

In this chapter, a brief history of how different approaches to intelligence have been applied in the design of building envelopes, focusing on those efforts towards energy saving and user comfort , is presented. It is illustrated through a series of developments from traditional construction to contemporary advanced examples. A classification syst...

This chapter illustrates the procedures for intelligent envelope design by analyzing two examples representing different initial scenarios, such as a new office building design and a residential energy retrofit. In this way, designers can study more clearly, through different situations, the steps essential for successful envelope design. The examp...

The aim of this work is to check the feasibility and limitations of near ZERO Energy design in highly dense conditions. The study is carried out by examination and comparison of various density design alternatives of an existing urban plot in the coastal climate zone of Israel. In this paper, we introduce design alternatives that increase on plot r...

This paper proposes a method and a tool for determining maximum building heights in an urban set- ting while maximizing solar access. Expanding upon previously conducted ‘solar envelopes’ research, a flexible and advanced filtering mechanism based on weather data, site geometry and mixed program- matic requirements is introduced and the concept of...

This book presents a series of significant methods and examples for the design of sustainable intelligent facades in a variety of contexts. Emphasis is placed on how intelligence has been applied for successful energy-saving efforts in the planning of building envelopes. Readers will find essential information on the core principles involved in des...

The paper presents a new enumerative method and tool to quantify and compare the potential contribution of kinetic and static external shading elements in buildings, in terms of dynamic measurement of daylighting. The suggested method and tool may help designers to examine the impact of various louver design and operation alternatives in the early...

Carbon dioxide is the largest component of the human footprint and one of the major components of all greenhouse gases. Increasing population will lead to growth in energy consumption and greenhouse gases emissions as a result of urban areas densification. The building industry has the highest potential for reduction in greenhouse gasses emissions....

Buildings represent about 40% of the total primary energy consumption and contribute approximately to one-third of the total greenhouse gas emissions. Green building standards and certification systems include requirements for both new and existing buildings. However, a vast part of the existing building stock in cities was built with limited consi...

A very large percentage of the European residential building stock is ageing and does not comply with current energy regulations. The need to complete short-term energy upgrading on these buildings in order to improve performance and meet current regulations poses a considerable challenge. Consistent energy methodologies are needed for mass applica...

Vast amounts of the European residential stock were built with limited consideration for energy efficiency, yet its refurbishment can help reach national energy reduction goals, decreasing environmental impact. Short-term retrofits with reduced interference to inhabitants can be achieved by upgrading facades with elements that enhance energy effici...

Architectural design is a complex process that depends on the information available to the designer to achieve the design task. The kind of information and the way it is provided by design tools during all stages of the design process may have a critical value on the success of a design alternative. However, many of the existing design tools are st...

This research explores a proposal for natural light restoration design for exhibition spaces in the Ein Harod Museum of Art. The original design and method of introducing daylight are described and their mechanisms depicted. The reasons for recent modifications, mostly due to conservation demands, and their impact on light quality are discussed. Ow...

Climatic changes have increased the world-wide frequency of extreme weather events such as heat waves, cold spells, floods, storms and droughts. These extreme events potentially affect the health status of millions of people, increasing disease and death. Since mitigation of climate change is a long and complex process, emphasis has recently been p...

Introduction Solar rights in urban design Solar envelopes as a design tool Solar envelopes as a tool for urban development Regulations and applications Methods of application A simple design tool Modeling the building shape for self-shading using the solar collection envelope Daylight rights Daylight access Conclusions Bibliography

Decisions throughout the life cycle of a building, from design through construction and commissioning to operation and demolition, require the involvement of multiple interested parties (e.g., architects, engineers, owners, occupants and facility managers). The performance of alternative designs and courses of action must be assessed with respect t...

The Israeli standard 5282 for energy rating of buildings includes, besides a Prescriptive path, a Performance Approach that requires using an hourly energy simulation model to demonstrate compliance. In this work, we present the development of a Graphical User Interface (GUI), in which most of the expert knowledge needed to run such complex simulat...

Architectural design is a complex process that depends on the information available to the designer to achieve the design task. Information provided by design tools during all stages of the design process may have a critical value on the success of the design alternative. However, many of the existing design tools are still rudimentary with many li...

The introduction of the computer to the architectural design process have facilitated the possibility to examine a large number of design alternatives by allowing continuous variation between pre defined constraints. However, for the most part, evaluation and comparison of the alternatives is still handled manually in a linear fashion by the design...

The use of multiple performance envelopes in a generative, non linear architectural design process is discussed. A Generative Performance Oriented Design model (GenPOD) which allows generating architectural initial form using a negotiation morphing process of several performance envelopes is presented. The suggested form generation process is param...

The idea of using computers for form generation and evaluation in the architectural design process has been put forward already in the early days of computers. However, as opposed to computer aided drafting, the generation of form, its optimization and manufacturing has not been widely accepted and implemented by practitioners. The paper critically...

Increased awareness on environmental issues, together with requirements imposed by implementation of energy efficiency codes, has generated the need for tools that evaluate thermal performance of buildings. Their objective is to ensure compliance and certification. However, existing computer models are still rudimentary with many limitations for us...

Energy-conscious design of school buildings can contribute to significant energy savings and improve the students’ learning environment. The purpose of this research is to formulate design recommendations for school buildings in the hot–humid climatic zone and assess the influence of different design variables on their energy consumption. A base-ca...

In the past years, there has been a growing interest among architects and entrepreneurs to include intelligence in buildings, as a way for achieving energy-efficient buildings that comply with stringent energy codes and national goals of reducing dangerous emissions, together with improving corporate image.The aim of this paper is to explore the in...

The use of multiple performance envelopes in a generative, non linear architectural design process is discussed. A Generative Performance Oriented Design model (GenPOD) which allows generating architectural initial form using a negotiation morphing process of several performance envelopes is presented. The suggested form generation process is param...

A new Energy code for office buildings in Israel, currently under development, is presented. This code is based on a prescriptive approach, which can be easily applied as a tool for the design of office buildings through all the design stages including the early ones. The prescriptive approach suggested is based on the results obtained from an ener...

Energy consumption for heating, cooling and lighting of buildings holds a major part of total energy consumption. Significant savings may be achieved through climate-responsive design of office buildings and conservation practices in office buidings. In this work, an optimization model is proposed as a tool for improving the design of office buildi...

This work, part of a wider study, presents a qualitative and quantitative approach to evaluate daylighting systems for use in office buildings located in latitudes where natural luminous conditions throughout the year are of high solar radiation, as in Israel. Their widespread application in this kind of climate, where the excessive penetration of...

A systematic study of building design around urban squares, while keeping the solar rights, is presented. The assessment was carried out both visually and quantitatively using the model SHADING (Solar Energy. 1994; 52-1, 27-37). The quantitative evaluation is general and allows a fast and efficient evaluation of the Geometrical Insolated Coefficien...

The consideration of solar rights in urban design is essential in order to allow passive heating of buildings in winter and to improve the comfort conditions of people in the street, sidewalks and open spaces. A design that doesn't consider the solar rights of buildings and open spaces may cause uncomfortable conditions inside the buildings and out...

Countries having climates of high solar radiation can benefit from favourable natural lighting conditions to achieve energy savings and visual comfort in office spaces. However, potential problems may arise from excessive contrast between the area close to the window and that opposite to it. Uncontrolled access of solar radiation increases thermal...

The purpose of this paper is to present a simple computer-based design method to improve the thermal comfort conditions in the built environment by means of controlling winds access and therefore natural ventilation. The criterion applied to control the access or obstruction of prevailing winds in a site was the idea of desirability or undesirabili...

A new Energy Code for office buildings in Israel, currently under development, is presented. This code is based on a prescription approach, which can be easily applied as a tool for the design of office buildings through all the design stages including the early ones. The prescription approach suggested is based on the results obtained from an ener...

This work presents a simple design tool for the consideration of solar rights in urban design that was developed by the use of the computer model SustArc Capeluto and Shaviv, 1997). This simple design tool allows the generation and evaluation of building configurations, ensuring solar rights of each neighboring building, as well as those of open sp...

We calculate the influence of thermal mass and night ventilation on the reduction of the maximum indoor temperature in summer in residential buildings without using air-conditioning. The results are given for different locations in the hot-humid Mediterranean climate of Israel. We found that the maximum obtained indoor temperature reduction depends...

We present a case study of a design of a new business district in Tel Aviv city. In this work climatic aspects were taken into consideration in the very early design stages. For that purpose, two models SustArc (Proceedings of the ISES 1997 Solar World Congress, Taejon, Korea, 1997, p. 148) and FLUENT 5.0.2 (Fluent's User's Guide, Fluent Inc., NH,...

The main goals of the present work are to investigate the influences of the built environment on the potential use of daylighting in office buildings in Israel, and to offer a simple design method for architects during initial design stages to assess the daylighting potential of the building site.A typical office building under different surroundin...

In this work, the Solar Collection Envelope (SCE) concept is used for the generation of the self-shading envelope. The computer model SustArc was applied to create the nomogram of the Solar Collection Envelope. The model allows for the generation of the building shape in a way that the building facades are self-shaded during a required period deter...

An exhaustive analysis for the determination of the urban fabric is carried out by implementing a computerized model SustArc. The model evaluates the maximum allowed ‘solar volume’ to be built without preventing solar access from each building and from the open spaces during a predefined period of the year. For every urban configuration, the model...

We calculated the influence of thermal mass and night ventilation on the maximum indoor temperature in summer. The results for different locations in the hot humid climate of Israel are presented and analyzed. The maximum indoor temperature depends linearly on the temperature difference between day and night at the site. The fit can be applied as a...

We present the practical application of two models SustArc (Capeluto and Shaviv 1997, 1999) and FLUENT 5.0.2 (1999) to the design of a new business district in Tel Aviv incorporating solar and wind rights. The new business district was designed as a high-density urban area and is located near an old low-rise residential quarter. SustArc was used as...

A model for the design of urban grids and fabric with solar rights consideration taken into account is presented. The model allows the generation and evaluation of the building configurations, preserving the solar rights of each neighboring building, as well as the open spaces among them. The model presents a nomogram of the maximum available volum...

This paper describes a methodology for supporting computationally all phases of an energy-conscious design and evaluation process, by combining procedural simulation and knowledge-based heuristic methods in one integrated system. Based on this methodology knowledge-based computer-aided architectural design systems for the design and evaluation of s...

We present a new method and the design tool MULRES-ENERGY that allows the presentation and energy usage evaluation of all possible solutions for grouping apartment units into a multifamily residential complex. This design tool may help the designer to determine the best massing configuration of the building, and its preferred proportions and orient...

This paper focuses on the sensitivity analysis of a building's energy performance, in a hot, humid climate, to the values assigned to various design parameters during the early conceptual design stage. During this design stage, the architect defines the geometry of the building and its relation to the surroundings. We concentrate mainly on four des...

We present a method, a model and a simple design tool for evaluating the construction, investment and energy costs of different possible design alternatives for grouping apartment units into a multifamily residential building. The added investment cost of each design alternative, compared with a bench-mark solution, is expressed in terms of Additio...

Facades are crucial to energy consumption and comfort in buildings. Incorporating intelligence in their design is an effective way to achieve low energy buildings. However, careful planning must be involved to reach satisfactory savings and user acceptance. The article examines the design process itself, as key to produce energy efficient buildings...

Abandoning the scale-model concept in favor of an abstract representation led us to the development of a digital design model based on point-clouds as design media. In this paper we examine the potential usage of point-clouds as design media. Extending the point-cloud model with a forth dimension represented as a numeric pointer to generative algor...

The continuity of the design process is not well supported by the widespread available CAD systems that mainly focus on specific design stages overlooking the transition between them, where some of the design information is lost or duplicated. The growing use of complex geometries in architectural design projects led to the adoption of constraint-b...