A BUILDING-SPECIFIC WEIGHTED EVALUATION SYSTEM : OPPORTUNITIES FOR 3RD GENERATION PHOTOVOLTAIC

Abstract

Hypothesis: There are opportunities in 3rd generation photovoltaic (PV) which should be promoted in Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV). As such, a weighted evaluation system based on these potentials is developed to reward successful BIPV application in various building typologies. This dissertation aims to develop a set of weighted assessment criteria to evaluate how well architecture of different building types employ BIPV. As the assessment criteria stems from the architect’s perspective, a study of award- winning works will provide insight and relevant standards by which buildings are judged and perceived. Also designed to be forward-looking, the assessment criteria is further based on potentials and opportunities provided by 3rd generation PV technology to BIPV development in the industry. Since a fixed set of universal assessment criteria would not fit the varied design interests of different building types, sets of weighted assessment criteria will be proposed. Decision of this weightage will involve identifying various architectural building types and the importance of their various design objectives. Factors which enhance architectural standards and are achievable by new (3rd generation) PV technology will be favoured. This multi-faceted consideration results in a dynamic, weighted evaluation system. It would be tested with relevant BIPV examples to ascertain its effectiveness in promoting use of new PV technology. Additionally, the system aims to increase the standard of PV integration, in particular the 3rd generation technologies, in design, giving rise to more architecturally acclaimed, sustainable buildings.