Investigating Decision-Making Frameworks for Early-Stage Performance-Based Building Envelope Design

This chapter explores the critical role of early-stage design in the architectural process, emphasizing the importance of managing the building envelope to enhance overall building value and occupant well-being. It introduces a generalized graph database designed to assist in decision-making by mapping and navigating the complex relationships between various design factors and performance domains. The chapter demonstrates how a graph database can serve as a valuable tool for structuring search queries, ranking design variables, and providing a comprehensive overview of interdependencies. Future research directions include integrating this data with parametric software systems and exploring web-based solutions for enhanced accessibility. Ultimately, this approach aims to support the development of effective design strategies throughout the design process, enabling the extraction of generalized outlooks of complex design relationships and fostering a holistic view of building design.