Towards a method for relating the desired performance of building subsystems

It has become increasingly apparent in recent years that it is not satisfactory to use deterministic mathematical models to design those aspects of a building whose performance, in reality, depend upon probablistic factors. Their analysis can be more accurately tackled by using probabilistic and statistical techniques or, alternatively, by using computer simulation methods. However, the ability to predict the performance of possible design solutions probabilistically is of only limited value if the acceptable level of performance of each probabilistic aspect of a building is chosen in a subjective manner. In this paper, therefore, a rational method is proposed to aid the choice of acceptable levels of performance for probabilistic aspects of a building.