Form2Wind: A Cloud-Based CFD Tool for Teaching Wind Effects in the Built Environment

Architects and civil engineers recognize the importance of wind-driven flows and natural ventilation in designing sustainable and resilient buildings. However, their limited background in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and high-performance computing (HPC) often prevents them from leveraging simulation tools effectively. To address this gap, we developed Form2Wind, a cloud-based workflow automation system that allows non-expert users to simulate wind flow around buildings and evaluate natural ventilation potential, without requiring prior experience with CFD software, command-line interfaces, or HPC environments.

Form2Wind integrates Google Forms, cloud synchronization, and remote execution on HPC resources. Users simply submit a geometry and basic parameters through a guided online form, and the system automatically handles mesh generation, simulation, and post-processing. Results, including flow fields and estimated ventilation rates, are returned via a user-friendly interface.

We used Form2Wind in the course CEE 161C: WindWise: CFD for Civil Engineers and Architects at Stanford University in Winter 2025. Students used the tool to evaluate real building designs, gaining insights into ventilation strategies and wind effects without engaging with the underlying CFD code. We present results from this test, including case studies, student feedback, and performance metrics. Form2Wind shows the potential of simplified cloud-based CFD workflows to broaden the accessibility of fluid dynamics tools in architecture and civil engineering practice.