Page 114 - JCAU-6-3

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Sustainability of courtyard building

3.2. Applying building information modelling (BIM) 3.4. Scope and limitation
technology to building sustainability evaluation The courtyard building type is distributed throughout
BIM technology is currently used to simulate, evaluate, China, from south to north and east to west (Zhao &
and retrofit heating, ventilation, and air conditioning Liu, 2010). However, there are regional differences. For
(HVAC) systems in buildings. To improve the energy instance, building materials are often sourced locally (Ji
efficiency of the building energy management systems et al., 2020), leading to variations across different regions.
and reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling, This study focuses on the southeastern coastal area of
BIM software, such as EnergyPlus, Revit, and Design China, which has unique climatic characteristics, so
Builder, were used to perform energy simulation on the the results may only be relevant to regions with similar
target building, yielding an optimized HVAC system climates. While the BIM software used for simulation
scheme (Jung, 2013). This process of evaluating the built has its limitations, these can be neglected for the purpose
environment using BIM technology produces quantitative of this study. The accuracy of the data produced by the
information and data related to energy performance, software is sufficient for the evaluation process, although,
making BIM technology an effective tool for providing like any model, it does not fully reflect reality. Due to the
building information when using a rating tool to evaluate absence of architectural blueprints, manual measurements
the performance of an existing building. were required. The accuracy of this manual building
information collection and measurement is precise to the
Research by Wong & Fan (2013) supports this view, centimeter level.
finding that BIM technology, as an approach for data
collection and processing, is suitable for providing 4. Site inspection
effective building information for building sustainability 4.1. Case selection
assessments and sustainable renovation processes. They
demonstrated that BIM, in conjunction with rating tool The historical town of Chongren, a national cultural relics
software such as LEED and Ecotect, can effectively provide protection unit in Shengzhou City, Zhejiang province,
data during the rating process (Wong & Fan, 2013). This was selected for the case study. Zhejiang province is
approach is feasible for evaluating Chinese courtyard located on the south-east coast of China (Figure 1), in
buildings, using BIM technology to quantify the process. the middle of the subtropics, and has a monsoon-humid
climate. The average annual temperature ranges between
3.3. Overview of research design 15°C and 18°C, with annual sunshine hours between

Modern rating tools are based on modern scientific theories, 1100 and 2200 h, and average annual precipitation is
technical capabilities, and viewpoints that are applicable between 1100 and 2000 mm. Zhejiang province is one
to the current context of environmental degradation and of the birthplaces of ancient Chinese civilization, with
energy crisis. When historical buildings were built, there Neolithic civilizations such as Liangzhu, Hemudu, and
were no electrical appliances, air conditioners, air ducts, or Majiabang. Chongren was established during the Song
similar equipment; therefore, environmental degradation dynasty (960 – 1279), and 154 courtyard-style buildings
and energy crisis were not primary concerns. However, the have been preserved (Figure 2).
purpose of this research is to critically review a historical
building, explore the philosophy of the ancients, understand
how they coexisted with nature, and determine whether
the advantages of historical buildings have the ability to
address today’s environmental challenges. Therefore, using
a modern evaluation system is both feasible and necessary.
By applying modern standards to evaluate historical
buildings, we can determine if they have excellent energy
consumption performance and the ability to address
environmental challenges, thus judging their sustainability
advantages. However, adjustments will need to be made.
For example, historical Chinese courtyard buildings use
traditional fire prevention measures rather than modern
fire-fighting piping systems. Therefore, evaluation using a
modern rating system needs to be adjusted according to
the characteristics of the historical building. Figure 1. The location of Chongren historical town. Source: Google Maps

Volume 6 Issue 3 (2024) 6 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.3187