Building Simulation Trends Going into the New Millenium

Recent decades have witnessed the proliferation of simulation software for a broadening range of building performance assessments. The next challenge is now to mature building simulation into a recognized and indispensable discipline (with a unique expertise and toolset) of all professions, involved in the design, engineering, operation and management of buildings. The two key targets to achieve this are an increased level of quality assurance and better integration of simulation expertise and tools in the overall building process. The latter target must address all stages of a project, i.e. from early conceptual design to commissioning, through to operation and, finally deconstruction of the facility. Meanwhile, the ‘appearance’ and use of simulation is changing rapidly, mostly as a result of the Internet revolution. This is exemplified by new forms of ubiquitous, remote, collaborative and pervasive simulation. These and other trends and manifestations are discussed in the light of the challenges that the building simulation discipline faces at the start of the new millennium.