Fundamentals of performance-based building design

The paper formulates some fundamental principles of performance-based design (PBD), suggesting a conceptual framework and systematic approach suitable for application in most areas of building design, and in the development of simulation tools and performance test methods required in the design and assessment processes. A schematic algorithm, which has been developed for the common engineering approach, was helpful in identifying the inter-relation with the required knowledge-based databases and tools that are needed for proper implementation of PBD. It is also shown that this schematic algorithm can serve not only as a conceptual model but also as the basic framework for developing or adapting simulation tools that are intended for PBD and assessment. The last part of the paper demonstrates the application of the fundamental approach in several areas of building performance (fire safety, acoustics, moisture safety, indoor air quality, and durability), outlining in each area the main user needs, ensuing performance requirements, and the most significant capabilities required of adequate simulation tools, with an emphasis on input/output.