to the complicated interaction of parameter variables, it is difficult to choose input parameter settings that
lead to optimal performance of a given system.
The objective of this study is to propose an optimization method which provides a ranking of façade
design strategies and parameters with a total energy cost result based on triple objectives - heating,
cooling and lighting load. Our goal is to propose an optimal façade design solution to achieve minimum
cost function for heating, cooling and lighting. The minimum cost function could include life-cycle cost,
annual operating costs, or annual energy use [4,5,6] and we only talk about annual energy cost in this
study. For the optimization method, we chose a genetic algorithm which can find the optimal solutions for
the problem, i.e. the solutions that lead to the best compromise among antagonistic objectives. These
results could help architects with decision-making for early design stage. In this application, the variables
are the grid dimensions of the windows and the depth of the shading system.