Evaluation of Building Design Variants in Early Phases on the Basis of Adaptive Detailing Strategies

Design decisions made in the early phases of the design process have a significant impact on the eventual performance of the completed building. Currently, computer-assisted methods offer limited support during the crucial stages of creating, assessing and refining design variants. This paper presents an integrated framework combining computer-aided design processes and performance-based evaluation methods to support a non-linear, iterative design process. The framework integrates spatial metrics (e.g., layout and design similarity), structural metrics (e.g., feasible systems and material quantities) and environmental–energy metrics (e.g., heating demand) to provide transparent, quantitative and qualitative feedback for early-stage decision-making. Applying the framework allowed for the incorporation of structural, environmental and spatial assessments early in the process. The design assistance framework is graphically represented using business process model and notation (BPMN), which facilitates communication between process design and implementation. A real-world, mixed-use building scenario illustrates how the individual methods interact to streamline the decision-making process for architects. The framework guides the entire process, from design decisions to structural and performance-specific features, offering inspirational support for architects and practical assistance for structural engineers, sustainability experts and other professionals involved in early-stage building design.