• Journal of KIBIM
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.34-41
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• 2016

The previous studies argue that using the semantic properties of BIM objects is efficient for simulating the behaviors of autonomous, computer agents, called virtual-users, but such assumption is not proven via evidence-based research approaches. Hence, this present study aims to investigate the empirical effects of a human behavior simulation model equipped the semantics of spaces on the architecture-major students' operation and understanding of the simulation system, compared to a typical path-finding model. To achieve the aim, this study analyzed the survey and interview data, collected in the authentic design projects. The analysis indicates that (1) using a simulation model equipped the semantics of spaces helps the students' operation of the simulation, and (2) it also aids understanding the relationship between the variables of spaces and virtual-users (${\alpha}=0.74$). In addition, the qualitative data inform that the advantages of the simulation model that computes the semantics of spaces stem in the automatic behavioral changes of massive numbers of virtual-users, and efficient detection and activation on the what-if situations. The analysis also reveals that the simulation model has shortcomings in orchestrating the complex data structure between the semantics properties of spaces and virtual-users under multi-sequential scenarios. The results of this study contribute to develop a future design system combining BIM with human behavior simulation.