System to model a building’s energy performance.

We often see architectural firms come up with proposals that are being claimed to be zero-emissions with an array of photovoltaic modules and ingenious water harvesting systems. But the actual effect of these systems can only be known after the building has been constructed. Woods Bagot and Buro Happold have teamed up to create the Zero-E, which can allow architects to model building performance and check the precise effects of all the eco-bling that they try to add to their buildings.

With the Zero-E designers can dial in requirements for energy use or water efficiency and the program helps lay out the parameters including building shape and orientation and the green-systems required. The team has already tested the system on a hypothetical mixed-used complex located in Chongquing on the Yangtze River.

Let’s hope that architecture of the future is the eco architecture!