The integration between the building information modeling (BIM) methodology and the building energy simulation (BES) can contribute to a thermo-energetic analysis since the model generated and fed into BIM is exported to simulation software. This integration, also called interoperability, is satisfactory when the information flow is carried out without the loss of essential information. Several studies point out interoperability flaws between the methodologies; however, most of them occur in low-geometry-complexity models during quantitative experiments. The purpose of this research was to analyze the BIM/BES integration based on a quantitative and interpretative interoperability analysis of two buildings with complex geometries located on the UFU Campus (library and Building 5T) in Uberlândia, Brazil. To accomplish this, two geometries of each building were modeled, detailed, and simplified to analyze the data import, workflow, and model correction in the BES software. In the case of the library, the integration of Revit with DesignBuilder and IES-VE was analyzed, and in Block 5T, Revit was used with DesignBuilder and eQUEST. The BES software that presented the best integration with Revit for complex geometries was DesignBuilder, with the best performance being in the interpretative criteria. It was concluded that the simplification of complex geometries is essential for better data transfers. To determine the BES software that has better integration with BIM, a comprehensive evaluation is necessary, considering not only data transfers but also ease of working within BES software, the possibility of corrections in these, as well as the availability of tutorials and developer support.

Objective: This study proposes a BIM/BES interoperability test through a case study involving Revit® and three BES software programs: DesignBuilder®, IES-VE®, and e-Quest®. Theoretical Framework: For thermo-energy analyses, a recognized combination is the BIM (Building Information Modeling) / BES (Building Energy Simulation) pair. This requires data transfer from one software to another. To export the virtual model, it is necessary to generate the energy analytical model in BIM and use transfer protocols for BES software. Various studies have indicated failures in this process. Method: A case study was used to analyze the interoperability between the software programs, through a 58m² single-family residence. The geometric model was created with its dimensions and layers, input data such as location, thermal properties of materials, and usage data, generating the energy analytical model and exporting it to each BES software. Interoperability was tested based on data transfer analysis, establishing seven criteria. Results and Discussion: The results indicated failures in interoperability, as none of the software programs exported all the criteria correctly. The BES software with the best results was IES-VE®, with 70.90% of the criteria exported, followed by e-Quest® (65.45%) and DesignBuilder® (45.45%). Research Implications: The results of this study demonstrate that interoperability challenges limit the potential of the BIM/BES pair. Originality/Value: Despite studies on this topic, interoperability challenges remain, representing a gap to be filled.

In recent years, the architectural design process has undergone significant advancements due to computational design, enabling real-time exploration of alternatives through parametric modeling. In the design of buildings, a comprehensive understanding of measurement systems, particularly in the context of natural ventilation, can guide decision-making processes through tests using computational simulations. This paper aims to determine the flow patterns of natural ventilation in indoor environments under five specific conditions using Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis (CFD) Ansys Fluent^® R22. Five configurations are analyzed and compared to a control sample. Adhering to scientific rigor and employing computational techniques, it was possible to achieve satisfactory inferences for indoor airflow. Our findings indicate that the diagonal positioning of openings substantially accelerates wind speed in indoor environments. This design strategy supersedes the need for more openings when the goal is to enhance air speed and indoor air renewal.

Despite the low rate of sewer service coverage in developing countries, especially in small towns and rural areas, decentralized wastewater treatment systems (DEWATS) are alternatives to ensure public health. Nonetheless, understanding the physical or functional aspects of these system constructions remains difficult when there is no bibliography, a teaching professional, or even a prototype that allows technical conclusions about specific processes. Although resource combination in a BIM environment works as a facilitator to obtain compact and sustainable results, the purpose of this collaboration is not only to simplify the design process. This paper aims to propose a way to use BIM concepts as a learning tool throughout the modeling process. To do so, we developed a BIM template with specific DEWATS characteristics in order to provide not only information needed for construction, but also information that can favor learning. We measured how much the level of development (LOD) can influence learning about these systems during the design process, directing users to make the best implementation choices. The adoption of qualitative analysis of a questionnaire answered by three groups of professionals (general CADD software users, BIM software with generic template users, and BIM software with specific DEWATS template users) allowed us to identify differences among them, such as the number of DEWATS known, considered LOD, learning, and handicaps in the design of these systems. The results pointed out that the BIM tools can influence learning about new and unknown specific systems, which is directly related to the LOD of a model.