INTRODUCTION
Sustainable building design takes into account the well-being of the natural environment and its occupants throughout the entire lifespan of a structure, focusing on these three principles: energy efficiency, materials productivity and reduction of embodied carbon.
My focus within the team involved addressing this challenge through innovative façade materials, analysing and validating their impact using Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), and pioneering new workflows for comprehensive whole-life building carbon analysis in designs.
Due to NDA restrictions, specific project details are confidential. Please contact me for more information at
rhea.p3rk@gmail.comHIGHLIGHTS
- Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs)
- Building & Facade CAD
- Wind & Thermal CFD
MY ROLE
Research Engineer Intern, Industry Futures - Manufacturing
DURATION
12 weeks, July-September 2023
THE APPROACH
To establish a precise scope for the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) models, I engaged in discussions with various suppliers, sustainability experts, and technical supervisors (at Autodesk Technology Centres). This collaborative effort aimed to understand the sourcing, manufacturing, and processing of each innovative material. Recognizing sustainability analysis as an emerging field, I dedicated considerable time to mastering product-level and building-level LCAs using tools like OpenLCA and SimaPro. Additionally, I crafted a novel workflow for seamless integration of sustainability analysis into the team's overarching processes.
RESULTS & FINAL DESIGNS
Through numerous iterations, I was able to deliver an extensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) model that offered valuable insights and validation for the concurrent development of façade designs. Furthermore, I provided a sample building CAD model showcasing the implemented facades, along with wind and thermal Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models. These models were instrumental in rigorously testing the functional efficiency of the façades, establishing a seamless connection to the LCA models, and enhancing the overall analysis of the entire building.
Furthermore, I provided a sample building CAD model showcasing the implemented facades, along with wind and thermal Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models. These models were instrumental in rigorously testing the functional efficiency of the façades, establishing a seamless connection to the LCA models, and enhancing the overall analysis of the entire building.
During my internship, I had the opportunity to showcase my work to the broader research team on multiple occasions. I also presented a comprehensive 40-minute breakdown of my work, aiming to leave a lasting impression and emphasize the significance of sustainability in future manufacturing and design practices.
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