Computational Design for a Nonprofit—Data Driving Form and Performance

Autodesk Foundation and Microdesk collaborated with the nonprofit Build Health International (BHI) to capitalize on early computational design workflows, in order to identify, optimize, and implement passive design strategies that have the most significant impact on building performance. We utilized site and climate data in concert with passive strategies to inform the design of the façade and promote ideal ventilation in order to address infection control, operational cost, and occupant comfort. These considerations are a crucial aspect of optimizing and utilizing natural ventilation strategies. BHI works in communities where sustainability is a necessity, not for certification or because "it’s a neat thing.” These workflows saved the design team countless hours by providing them with time to study thousands of iterations at a moment's notice, making the design process nimble and efficient, and empowering team members to focus resources where they will significantly impact the project.