CIBSE Building Simulation Awards at Build2Perform 2021

The CIBSE Building Simulation Group held its Annual Prizes as part of the Build to Perform 2021 programme; the CIBSE Building Simulation Award; and the CIBSE Building Simulation Young Modeller Award.

Darren Woolf, chairman of the CIBSE BSG group, introduced the CIBSE Building Simulation Award which focuses on the use of building simulation in projects, and aims to encourage innovation in building simulation techniques. Our 6 finalists from Wirth Research, United Arab Emirates University, Cardiff University and London South Bank University, presented their exemplar projects followed by the judging panel’s brief questions. 

• Wirth Research - Covid-19 and the work environment, a multi-tool modelling approach to estimate infection risk within office spaces
• United Arab Emirates University - Design of library extension featuring a parametric dynamic facade in UAUE campus
• Cardiff University - Optimisation of modular photobioreactor retrofit
• London South Bank University - Critical evaluation of four building simulation software packages when modelling shading devices in relation to thermal retention
• Wirth Research - Multiscale computational model of existing industrial bakery, performance-based design of ventilation system with CFD

Patricia Pino, from Wirth Research, was announced the winner, for her presentation on Covid-19 infection risk modelling. Patricia presented her methodology that designers can use to understand the risk within their spaces, and where appropriate develop strategies to mitigate it. This can involve changes to HVAC systems or internal layouts and/or generating protocols for the occupancy or general use of the space. 

The two runners-up were Ketki Mehta, of Cardiff University, for her modelling of modular photobioreactors, which was commended for being such an original model; and Deema Al Qahtani, of United Arab Emirates University, for showcasing how a number of modelling tools can be joined together to provide a holistic solution.

Nishesh Jain, of University College London and Design Builder, was the recipient of the Young Modeller Award. The CIBSE Building Simulation Group was very impressed with the continuous support to the industry, academia, publications and participation in publications such as the CIBSE TM63 and TM54. All of these along with his partnership with ASHRAE and IBPSA showcase how he is advocating building simullation locally and also abroad.

Special commendations for their outstanding work have been awarded to Bahareh Salehi of Loughborough University and Thomas Avery-Hickmott of Wirth Research.

Once the finalists had completed their presentations and while the judges headed off to deliberate. Darren Woolf has chaired a panel with our sponsors - David Cocking of Design Builder, Richard Tibenham of IES, Nick Hopper of Monodraught, Fred Mendonca of OpenFOAM, Richard Szoeke-Schuller of SimScale and Alan Jones of EDSL - on the CIBSE Building Simulation Group Vision 2050.

The video of the event can be seen below.