Energy Modeling Software
Energy modeling software has become quite important in the last decade, mostly because of the LEED credits involved with energy usage (and the need to reduce long-term energy use because of costs). Energy use estimations in these cases have tended to be inaccurate, for as of yet unknown reasons. The USGBC is now mandating energy use reporting periods in order to track down the problems, and I have no doubt that eventually the problems will be found.
In the meantime, what are building designers to do? A good idea is to use any results from energy modeling as a guide rather than a gospel.
Energy modeling is still a very useful process. If for nothing else it makes you think long and hard about decisions that were once hidden behind a veil of complexity. Lighting issues matter, HVAC issues matter, renewable energy sources matter. With a little bit of attention and ingenuity, our buildings can start saving money and emissions from the first day of operation.
Software that allows one to calculate the true effects of every project decision is somewhere in the region of non-existent or too expensive. But we have great reason to celebrate, because energy modeling is about to become widely available and much more accurate.
The US Dept. of Energy has been steadily working on their EnergyPlus program for several years. This program is the calculating engine behind most of the software packages today. It incorporates everything that people know about heat transfer and energy usage. The one thing missing is a Graphical User Interface. Previously there was only one option if you needed a GUI – you can purchase a commercial package such as offered by Bentley, Autodesk, or IES.
If you can can’t afford this, or are just looking to play around with some fun freeware programs then I strongly suggest everyone investigate the new SketchUp plugin IES-VE Ware. With this setup, you can draw a design in SketchUp and do limited energy analyses with the plugin. It won’t be enough to estimate your monthly bill, and certainly nowhere near the sophistication needed to qualify for LEED points, but it’s a good start. (see the plugins at SketchUp’s own site)
It’s only a rumor, but I have heard that ASHRAE believes a new user interface for the EnergyPlus engine will become available within the next year or two. This would usher in a new era of energy modeling of the people, by the people, and for the people! Keep your fingers crossed, we may get lucky.
(I'm sorry for leaving this comment here, the link for your email address wasn't working)
I am an NCARB Certified Architect with a Master in Architecture. I am thinking about what it would take for me to become a structural engineer. I've always been good at math (A's in Calculus, Physics, Structures Courses).
What path would you recommend?
RSOarchitect@gmail.com
I guess the first place to start is to decide if you want to become a licensed engineer, where a state grants you the right to call yourself an engineer, or whether you just want to work in an engineering office.
If you are seeking licensure, the best place to start is to consult the engineering board in your particular state. They can refer you to the laws that govern engineers in that state. These will have specific requirements such as college degree and years of apprenticeship.
If you just want to work as an engineer, then getting licensure won't matter as much. Just find an engineering firm (one that has licensed engineers already on staff) and start working for them.
If you want to become a "real" structural engineer, that is a licensed SE, you will likely need a B.S. or M.S. in structural engineering from an accredited college, and then 4-6 years of experience.
Thank you for the advice and information.
I'm feeling strongly that I am at a crossroads with the Architecture profession. I pursued the NCARB Certification out of an expectation of the Architect to remain in the role of master builder. Unfortunately I have an increasingly creeping feeling that the further the AIA pushes the idea that the architect is the master "designer" the less and less relevant the role of the architect in the marketplace will become.
I figure at this point that I will first investigate the notion of pursuing an S.E. and the second interest will be law school.
I'm not very good at being politically correct and I don't consider myself good at lying so I'm not so sure about law school.
I also like the fact that the ASCE has such a strong (apparent) commitment to integrity and "the accumulated" wisdom of the past. Both are things that are missing from the contemporary architecture profession I have been led to believe over the course of my professional education, training, and examination experience. (Sure the AIA "Code of Ethics" is on paper but I've seen so many gross violations in my time its ridiculous).
I'll start looking into structural engineering firms in this area as well as degree programs at the Universities and the state engineering board.
I wonder what value I might bring to a structural engineering firm (10 years AutoCad experience, As in all math classes, physics, structures courses, but that might be it)?
Also, besides the yellow pages and the handful of personal sources of contact I have in the area, do you have any idea where I might go to get a list of firms to get myself in touch with?
Thank you very much,
R. Scott Olson
NCARB Certified
Bolton, CT
Choosing a profession is a difficult decision, and obviously I can't say for sure what would be the best course of action for you. But I feel pretty safe saying that there are opportunities for ethical and profitable work in the fields of engineering, architecture, and law.
In fact, I think you will find a similar percentage of people in each industry that work at the fringes of ethical behavior. Before you abandon your current career in architecture, I would think seriously about discussing your concerns with a licensed architect who could serve as a mentor. They might be able to answer your questions and remind you why you wanted to become an architect in the beginning.
If you do decide to switch career paths, then there should be some opportunities in engineering firms for an architect. I think the best skills that architects can lend to engineering firms is an understanding of holistic building design (master builder) and project management. Surely, the technical skills are important (and requisite) but I wouldn't focus solely on those. As long as you understand Newton's three laws of motion, and the implication of those laws, you will be able to learn the basic concepts in engineering design.
To get a list of different firms that might be hiring I would contact the Structural Engineering Association in your state. Check the NCSEA map for more information, see if they will provide a list of companies in your region. Try to network locally, too.