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This paper presents a framework for integrating building information modelling (BIM) and object-oriented physical modelling-based building energy modelling (BEM) focusing on thermal simulation to support decision-making in the design process. The framework is made of a system interface between BIM and Modelica-based BEM and the visualization of simulation results for building designers. The interface consists of the following two major features: (1) pre-processing BIM models to add required thermal parameters into BIM and generate the building topology and (2) translating BIM to Modelica-based building energy modelling automatically and running the thermal simulation. The visualization component presents the simulation results in BIM for designers to understand the relationship between design decisions and the building performance. For the framework implementation, we have created a ModelicaBIM library and utilized the Modelica Buildings library developed by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. We conducted a case study to demonstrate and validate the framework simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Evaluates the substantive literature relating to the Delphi procedure, provides a rationale for its use and describes the distinctive features. Derivation of the term `Delphi'; How to use the Delphi technique; Selection of expertise.

The article emphasizes the need to renew the city of New Orleans, Louisiana following the devastation of hurricane Katrina in 2005. The concept of renewal architecture is summarized by scientific, sustainable, comprehensive, holistic and innovative principles. Architectural solutions must respect a bottom line of environmental, social and economic viability. Renewing the city requires people involved in it to think about the individual as well as the community.