EARLY DESIGN OPTIMIZATION USING OPENSTUDIO

A 3-week online certificate program to identify the key early design

analyses, learn analytical techniques and validate different design
decisions using OpenStudio modeling platform
27th July 2020 to 17th August 2020
 Early Design Optimization using OpenStudio – Blended Learning Program

Introduction :

‘Energy-efficient design’ is a rapidly emerging requirement in the building industry. With this trend in
building designs, it is observed that early design inputs strongly influence the building’s performance
and life cycle of the project.

Of the various stages that a building project goes through, the conceptual design stage is the most
crucial phase for setting energy goals. Climate, building form, orientation and other morphological
characteristics of the building are some of the vital parameters which are looked at, during the early
decision-making stage.

Selecting the right measures to achieve energy optimization, hence becomes the key here. Whole-
Building Energy Modelling (BEM) is a versatile, multipurpose process, to help designers analyse
different alternatives at an early design stage.

OpenStudio is a quick and effective tool for whole-building energy modelling and for analysing
various design options at an early stage. It is compatible with various platforms and its primary
application is a plugin for SketchUp. This integration allows designers to evaluate a design’s energy
performance before commencing construction.

Integration of building simulation in early design development stage

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 Early Design Optimization using OpenStudio – Blended Learning Program

Program Brief :

The 3-week ‘Early design optimization with OpenStudio’ is an introductory course to learn, understand
and work on some pertinent early design analyses in the OpenStudio modelling platform.

The program follows an early-design development workflow and includes the analyses of factors
such as building form, orientation, window-wall ratio, shading devices, influence on daylighting &
thermal comfort, etc. using basic 3D modelling in Sketchup and generation of energy simulation
results with the OpenStudio as plugin.

Focus will be on enabling each participant to enhance their analytical skills of interpreting and
comparing different simulation outputs and converting those into design inputs.

The associated theoretical concepts will be covered concisely and supplemented with examples.

3 weeks online program

Timeline 3 hours one session per week
1-hour Q&A session per week

12 hrs of e-learning
Effort
12 hrs for assignment work

Level Introductory

Language English

Course
Blended learning format
Type

Learning objectives :

✓ Understand pertinent design parameters that can influence the early design decisions
✓ Compare different design scenarios
✓ Identify the suitable strategies for building design optimization
✓ Read & interpret the derived results
✓ Translate simulation outputs for design inputs
✓ Get hands-on experience on OpenStudio/SketchUp modelling platform

The program is designed for :

• Professionals involved with building design process

• Architects, Engineers & Green Building Consultants
• Students of Architecture or related disciplines
• Faculty teaching Architecture or related disciplines

Note – Basic knowledge of 2D modelling is essential

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 Early Design Optimization using OpenStudio – Blended Learning Program

Topics
3 Covered :

✓ Understanding influential early design factors

✓ Building 3D geometry in OpenStudio plugin for SketchUp
✓ Simulation using OpenStudio plugin
✓ Optimization of (using ‘Response curve’)
o Building form and massing
o Building orientation
o Window-Wall ratio
o Envelope materials’ specifications
✓ Design of shading devices
✓ Daylighting & controls
✓ Thermal comfort
✓ Solar PV modelling

Exclusions :
• Schedule, and loads inputs (Standard templates will be used in the program)
• Detail HVAC systems & controls (Ideal air loads system will be used in the program)
• Green building certifications, ECBC or ASHRAE 90.1 modeling
• Debugging of model or checking models for correctness

Program Format :
This training program is completely online offering flexibility to participants. It is designed in a blended
learning format, which means it combines live webinar sessions with online on-demand courses along
with assignments per week. Participants can attend the webinar from any location.

The program includes 3 course modules and 3 assignments to allow the participants practise the
learning at the end of each module. Each week, the webinar will introduce theoretical concepts of
design parameters and demonstrate their application using OpenStudio modeling interface in live
sessions.

Access to self-paced pre-recorded online course modules/ videos will be given for additional
reading and practice, that can be completed as per the individual’s pace. Weekly assignments will
help participants practise OpenStudio tool and the desired analysis.

The concepts covered in the program will culminate into a comprehensive report by the end of the
program. This report will be a summary of all early design analyses and strategies that can be
adopted in early design development stage. This summary will be an outcome of all analyses carried
out by participants during their weekly assignments.

This engaging and immersive program includes 12 hours of e-learning and 15 hours of assignment
time comfortably spread over 3 weeks.

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 Early Design Optimization using OpenStudio – Blended Learning Program

The format is as follows:

• 1 webinar will be conducted each week as per the detailed schedule
• Assignment will be given after each webinar which should be submitted before the next
scheduled session
• 1 hr of additional Q&A session will be conducted every week to guide all participants on the
queries related to assignments
• Online self-paced course modules on various topics will be introduced each week as per the
schedule for further reading. While these modules can be taken at own’s pace, it is
recommended that they are completed in that week for most effective learning experience.
• Assignments will be introduced every week correlating it to the topics covered in that week.
Participants will complete these weekly assignments prior to each module. A comprehensive
report will be submitted at the end of program, highlighting observation on the analyses done
in the weekly assignments

Program Takeaways :
1. Develop a comprehensive ‘Early Design Optimisation’ report
2. Learn basics of OpenStudio software and analytical technique
3. Copy of all training materials
4. Yearly access to online courses
5. Interaction with expert faculty to answer your queries
6. Certificate on completing the ‘Early Design Optimisation’ report

Program Fee: Students :INR 7,500 (USD ~105)

Professional :INR 10,000 (USD ~135)
Early bird discount until 5th July 2020
Students :INR 6,000 (USD ~85)
Professional :INR 8,000 (USD ~110)
Note: For international payments , kindly use PayPal at [email protected]

For any queries, write to: [email protected]

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 Early Design Optimization using OpenStudio – Blended Learning Program

Program Schedule :

Date Format Duration Session

Webinar > Program introduction

Monday 6:30-8:00 pm IST > Program outline and takeaways
1.5 hrs
27th July 2020 1:00-2:30 pm GMT > Format and schedule
9:00-10:30 am EST > Meet your classmates

Module -1
Section -1 Early Design Parameters
> Understanding Early design parameters
> Correlation of these parameters
> Need for simulation tool
Section -2 Building Geometry
> Introduction to OpenStudio
> Live session - creating 3D geometry in SketchUp
Webinar > Live session - setting attributes
> Live session - simulation in OpenStudio
Wednesday Section -3 Result analysis
6:30-9:30 pm IST 3 hrs
29th July 2020 > Result interpretation
1:00-4:00 pm GMT
9:00-11:00 am EST > Decoding the technical outputs for design inputs
> Q&A
Section -4 Form & orientation analysis
> Live session - Changing of orientation & form
(Response curve)
> Discussion on results and comparison
> Understanding impact on early design
> Q&A
Introduction to assignment 1
Monday 6:30-7:30 pm IST
3rd August 1:00-2:00 pm GMT 1 hr Addressing weekly queries
2020 9:00-10:00 am EST
Module -2
Section -1 Introduction to OpenStudio Measures
> Introduction to OpenStudio measures
> Learning to access existing measures
> Use of OpenStudio model
Section -2 WWR Optimization
> Live session - WWR optimization
Webinar > Methodology of optimization - Response curve
Wednesday > Q&A
5th August 6:30-9:30 pm IST 3 hrs Section -3 Shading Optimization
2020 1:00-4:00 pm GMT > Live session - Shading optimization
9:00-11:00 am EST > Methodology of optimization - Response curve
> Q&A
Section -4 Daylighting & Controls-1
> Live session- Daylighting & Controls
> Understanding of results
> Q&A
Introduction to assignment 2
Monday 6:30-7:30 pm IST
10th August 1:00-2:00 pm GMT 1 hr Addressing weekly queries
2020 9:00-10:00 am EST

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 Early Design Optimization using OpenStudio – Blended Learning Program

Date Format Duration Session

Module -3
Section -1 Daylighting & Controls-2
> Live session- Daylighting & Controls
> Understanding of results
> Q&A
Section -2 Envelope material specification Optimization
> Understanding technical characteristics of
building materials
> Live session on construction materials
Webinar
> Results interpretation
Wednesday
> Insulation & its impact
12th August 6:30-9:30 pm IST 3 hrs
> Q&A
2020 1:00-4:00 pm GMT
Section -3 Thermal Comfort
9:00-11:00 am EST
> Parameters of Thermal Comfort
> Thermal Comfort analysis using simulation
> Q&A
Section -4 Solar PV
> Construction of Solar PV
> Result analysis
> Q&A
Introduction to assignment 3
Monday 6:30-7:30 pm IST
17th August 1:00-2:00 pm GMT 1 hr Addressing weekly queries
2020 9:00-10:00 am EST
Submission of the comprehensive “Early design Optimization Report” by participations

Sample Certificate

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 Early Design Optimization using OpenStudio – Blended Learning Program

Testimonials from Others course :

“After completing this course, I feel more confident in orienting exercises that are more
technical and application based, involves graphical as well as computer-based methods of
analysis. Modules were well structured having excellent content and assignments that build
on your knowledge, reinforce and then expand” - ARCHANA

“Excellent presentations and inspiring lectures!” - PETER

“Beautifully designed course. Excellent trainers. excellent assignments & project” - NEERAJ

“Overall, I have greatly benefited from the course” - BRINDA

“Very insightful and blends concepts really well” - MAITREYEE

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 Early Design Optimization using OpenStudio – Blended Learning Program

Program Faculty:

This course has been developed by experts from Environmental Design Solutions Pvt Ltd (EDS).
EDS is a sustainability advisory firm focusing on the built environment. Since its inception in 2002,
EDS has worked on over 350 green building and energy efficiency projects worldwide. The
diverse milieu of its team of experts converges on climate change mitigation policies, energy
efficient building design, building code development, energy efficiency policy development,
energy simulation and green building certification.

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 Early Design Optimization using OpenStudio – Blended Learning Program

Frequently
9 Asked Questions :

1. What are the timings of this program?

Online webinars will be conducted as per timing mentioned in the schedule. On-demand
modules can be completed as per convenience.

2. What do I need to bring to the program?

You just need a personal laptop and internet connection to attend and complete this
program.

3. What if I am not able to attend the webinar?

Try NOT TO MISS any webinars. In case you are not able to attend the webinar, please send
an email informing the instructor about your absence.

4. Can I get access to the webinar recordings?

Yes, all webinars will be recorded and be available to the registered participants

5. Can I have access to the online self-paced modules after the program is over?
Yes, once you sign up for the program, you will have access to the online modules after the
program as well.

6. Can I attend the webinar through my phone?

Yes, you can sign into the webinar through your phone. For an effective learning experience,
we recommend using your laptop or desktop.

7. The schedule looks extensive. I am busy with my work/classes. How do I optimize my time?
This program has been planned for busy professionals and full time students/faculty. Hence
the webinars are scheduled only 1 per week. The key is to plan your time in advance as per
the program schedule and being CONSISTENT. This will help you complete this program
successfully. Moreover, working in groups will also help you optimize time in solving quiz and
assignments.

8. What should I do if I have any question or query with respect to the course content during the
week?
You can post your question on the Google Classroom set up for your course and the instructor
will respond. You can also ask your questions during the ‘Open classroom hours’ as scheduled
by the instructor during each week.

9. Do I need to complete all the self-paced online modules that are shared for additional
reading?
It is highly recommended to complete the online modules. The topics will be relevant to the
topic discussed each week. This content will help bring clarity in technical fundamentals. This
will further help you apply your understanding better on the capstone project.

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 Early Design Optimization using OpenStudio – Blended Learning Program

10. 10
Should I have any prior knowledge in OpenStudio or SketchUp to join this course?
No, this course is specifically designed for beginners with little to no knowledge in OpenStudio
or SketchUp.
Active strategies, such as HVAC, lighting, etc will be covered in our next series.

11. Should I have any prior knowledge in building energy simulation?

No, this course is specifically designed for beginners with little to no knowledge in building
energy simulations.

12. Will the basics of building energy conservation be covered in this course?
Yes, we are covering the energy conservation measures through passive design strategies

13. What are the PC configurations and software requirements for the course?
The softwares which will be used in this course are compatible with OS- Windows 64 bit, 32 bit,
Mac and Linux
Softwares that will be used are OpenStudio & Sketchup.

14. Are the softwares free?

a.OpenStudio is an open source software which can be freely downloaded b. Sketchup 2019
is a paid software which can be either bought or the trial version can be used.

15. What if I already have a lower version of Sketchup installed in my PC?

The following link provides the OpenStudio version compatibility matrix along with the links to
download the corresponding version of OpenStudio Link: HERE

16. When will I get the certificate?

A ‘certificate of completion’ will be awarded only after the submission of all assignments and
‘Early design optimisation’ report . A ‘certificate of participation’ will be awarded to
participants who have attended the sessions. The soft copy of the certificate will be emailed
to the participant.

Note: The name of the certificate will be as per the registration name. The course coordinator should be
informed, incase any changes are required prior to the completion of the course.

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