This issue of Perkins and Will Research Journal includes five articles that focus on diverse topics, such as methods for improving design decision-making through simulations and modeling of building performance indicators, finding solutions for complex curtain wall systems, relationships between architectural planning of educational facilities and different learning styles, guidelines for integration of energy analysis into architectural design and lastly, design considerations for pool environments.

“Building Performance Predictions: How Simulations Can Improve Design Decisions” discusses relationships between simulations, modeling and design decisions. The article focuses on the methods that can be used to quantify building performance and predict various performance parameters. It presents relationships between BIM and analysis software applications, outlining best practices for the integrated analysis-design process.

“Finding Façade Solutions for Complex Curtain Wall Systems: Shanghai Fisherman’s Wharf Iconic Tower” explores different complex curtain wall systems that were investigated for this high-rise building. The article reviews different two-dimensional curtain wall options (consisting of flat rectilinear unitized modules) and three-dimensional (consisting of projected geometrical patterns). The article discusses visual design, technical complexity and code restrictions that had an effect of the design as well as constructability issues.

“Students of Today and Tomorrow: Discovering How They Learn” explores different learning styles and how organization of architectural spaces within educational facilities needs to adapt accordingly. The article reviews different styles of learning that have been recognized and how these need to relate to programming and spatial organization. It also includes an overview of the survey administered to high school students aiming to understand relationships between student engagement and physical space and the role of technology in today’s schools.

“Energy Modeling Guidance: Guidelines for Energy Analysis Integration into an Architectural Environment” outlines how and when an energy analysis can be conducted and reviews guidelines for streamlined integration into architectural design. It reviews what to expect in an energy modeling analysis as well as interpretation of results, typical software applications, scope and timing and modeling methodology and parameters than need to be considered.

“Design Considerations for Pool Environments: Cold Climates” discusses design elements and considerations for natatoriums in cold climates focusing on exterior and interior environmental conditions, air quality and movement, mechanical systems, building envelope design considerations and control of vapor migration. The article reviews important design decisions that need to occur during the design process in relation to treatment of the exterior building skin, management of internal environmental conditions, materials and selection of interior finishes.