ABSTRACT
The
study aims to discover the challenges facing the use of Building Performance
Simulation (BPS) by architects and what could be done to improve the use of BPS
tools by architects in Accra, Ghana to achieve sustainable building design and
operation. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to architects based
in Accra through email and in person by visits to architectural firms in Accra.
51 respondents participated in the survey. With the use of SPSS (Statistical
Package for Social Science, 25) and Microsoft Excel, data was analyzed and
represented with graphs, tables, charts and frequency tables. In addressing the
objectives, it was revealed that architects are using some form of BPS
(Building Performance Simulation) but have inadequate skills in the use of BPS
tools. The significant challenges in the use of BPS are inadequate academic and
professional training and Inadequate knowledge of leveraging BPS tools for
sustainable design. The most significant strategy realized from the survey are
Integration of BPS into academic curriculum. It was recommended that BPS should
be integrated into academic curriculum in architecture schools in Ghana and
integrated into CPD courses of the GIA (Ghana Institute of Architects). Also,
architects should provide BPS report before given building permit¾Integration
of BPS into building code and compliance.
Keywords: Architectural
Design, Building Performance Simulation, Building Performance Simulation Tools,
Energy Efficiency, Computer Aided Architectural Design, Continuous Professional
Development.
