Training Course: Ecotect

1. Introduction

This publication presents the internal training course developed by RG Chan & Associates for architects and technical staff learning Autodesk Ecotect. Rather than functioning as a software reference manual, the course was designed as a structured learning program that gradually develops practical competency through progressive exercises and real architectural applications.

The objective is not merely to teach software commands, but to cultivate a way of thinking in which environmental analysis becomes an integral part of the architectural design process. By learning to evaluate daylight, solar exposure, shading, and thermal performance during the earliest stages of design, architects can make informed decisions that improve both building performance and occupant comfort.

2. Training Philosophy

Environmental simulation should not be treated as an advanced specialty reserved for engineers. Architects make hundreds of design decisions before construction drawings begin, and these decisions largely determine the building's energy performance, daylight quality, and environmental comfort.

The training program therefore emphasizes understanding design principles before mastering software commands. Participants learn to interpret simulation results critically and to incorporate environmental feedback into every stage of architectural design.

3. Course Structure

The internal course was organized into progressively more advanced modules.

Students first became familiar with the software environment before learning model preparation, environmental analysis, interpretation of results, and finally the integration of those findings into practical architectural design.

Each lesson combined lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises using actual building projects.

4. Understanding the Interface

The first stage of training introduced the Ecotect workspace, navigation tools, project organization, and visualization methods.

Participants learned how environmental information is organized within the software and how building geometry interacts with simulation engines.

Special emphasis was placed on developing efficient modeling habits that reduce errors during later environmental analyses.

5. Solar and Shadow Studies 

Solar analysis formed one of the core components of the training.

Students learned to evaluate:

• Solar position
• Shadow casting
• Seasonal sun paths
• Building orientation
• Passive solar control
• External shading devices

These studies demonstrate how relatively small design adjustments can significantly influence energy demand and occupant comfort.

6. Daylight Analysis 

Natural lighting remains one of the most valuable environmental resources available to architects.

This module introduced daylight factors, daylight distribution, glazing performance, room proportions, and interior illumination quality.

Students learned to balance daylight availability with glare control and solar heat gain while reducing dependence on artificial lighting.

7. Thermal Performance 

The course introduced the fundamentals of thermal analysis by examining heat transfer through roofs, walls, glazing, and building envelopes.

Students explored how orientation, insulation, ventilation, and material selection influence indoor thermal comfort and annual energy consumption.

Although simplified compared with dedicated engineering software, Ecotect provided an excellent educational platform for understanding thermal behavior.

8. Design Workflow 

Environmental analysis becomes most effective when integrated into the design process rather than applied as a final verification step.

Participants were encouraged to evaluate performance after every significant design revision, allowing simulation results to guide successive improvements in orientation, massing, fenestration, and shading.

This iterative workflow reflects professional best practice in climate-responsive architecture.

9. Practical Exercises 

The course concluded with a series of practical design studies.

Participants analyzed residential and commercial buildings using progressively more complex environmental simulations.

Each exercise required students to identify environmental problems, propose alternative design solutions, evaluate performance improvements, and present their findings through graphical reports.

These projects reinforced the relationship between environmental analysis and architectural decision-making.

10. Lessons Learned 

Several important observations emerged from repeated implementation of the training program.

Students consistently demonstrated stronger understanding when simulation was introduced as a design tool rather than a software application.

The greatest educational benefit resulted not from producing numerical results, but from learning how environmental performance influences architectural form.

Many of these educational principles continue to apply today despite the evolution of simulation software.