Function-space assignment and movement simulation model for building renovation

Abstract

Building renovation is an effective way to revive the use of a building, the use efficiency of which is primarily determined by its layout. However, in architectural practice, architects and building owners renovate buildings based on their personal subjective perceptions of how occupants use the building instead of systematically analyzing their use behaviors. This study proposes a model, called the Function-space Assignment and MOvement Simulation (FAMOS) model, which integrates radio frequency identification (RFID), fast messy genetic algorithms (fmGA), and movement simulation techniques to solve the function-space assignment problem. The RFID equipment is specifically used to track the occupants’ movement data in a building, the fmGA is employed to identify the optimal result of function assignment, and the movement simulation technique is adopted to verify the result and support the decision-making of function-space assignment. This study presents a real case study to demonstrate the use of FAMOS and compare its assignments with those generated by a renovation architect. The objective function showed that FAMOS's version had a 14.80% higher objective value than the architect's version. The experiment also showed that FAMOS helped the architect find the best assignment or improve their assignment based on desired objectives such as preferred space size, minimized movement distance, or removal of corridor congestion.

Keywords:

• function-space assignment
• RFID
• optimization
• fmGA
• genetic algorithms
• movement simulation

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ren-Jye Dzeng

Ren-Jye Dzeng. Is a Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering, National Chiao-Tung University, Taiwan. He is also acting as the CEO of the Eco-City: Smart Living Technologies Integrated Center, Taiwan. He received his PhD from the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA. His research interests include construction engineering & management, artificial intelligence, RFID, application of brain EEG and virtual reality for construction safety.

Wei-Chih Wang

Wei-Chih Wang. Is a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at National Chiao-Tung University, Taiwan. He received his PhD degree from the University of California at Berkeley in 1996. He is a member of the Construction Management Association of Taiwan. His research interests include construction procurement, high-tech facility project management, and construction simulation.

Fan-Yi Hsiao

Fan-Yi Hsiao. Is a PhD Candidate at the Department of Civil Engineering, National Chiao-Tung University, Taiwan. She received her Master degree from the Department of Civil Engineering, National Chiao-Tung University, Taiwan. Her research interests include construction engineering & management, artificial intelligence, and RFID application.