A multifaceted paradigm shift for next-generation building simulation

Building simulation has evolved from manual calculations to a sophisticated interdisciplinary field essential for designing energy-efficient, resilient, and healthy built environments. However, current engineering practice faces interconnected challenges—including decarbonization, grid integration, climate resilience, and energy equity—that are redefining the scope of building simulation beyond traditional annual energy compliance. Addressing these demands requires a fundamental paradigm shift. This perspective proposes a multifaceted paradigm shift for next-generation building simulation, where technical advancements and model developments are strictly framed by critical engineering problems and validated against real-world scenarios to ensure applicability and reliability. Under this new paradigm, the field is undergoing a fundamental transformation that simultaneously expands its temporal, spatial, and physical horizons. Next-generation building simulation is moving beyond static annual evaluations to span temporal scales from sub-hourly grid interactions to multi-decadal climate adaptation. In parallel, it is extending spatial boundaries from individual buildings to urban and national clusters to capture mobility dynamics and microclimates, while deepening physical representation to resolve complex mechanisms in novel materials and human-centric indoor environments. By integrating AI and domain knowledge, this new paradigm enables these capabilities, transforming building simulation into a dynamic decision-support platform for co-creating a sustainable, resilient, and decarbonized future.