Integration of a choice modeling approach with immersive virtual environments for accurate space utilization prediction

Abstract

Optimizing space utilization in buildings is necessary to achieve a sustainable built environment. To this end, accurate space utilization prediction, considering the spatial preference of occupants, is required to design well-utilized spaces in architecture, engineering, and construction projects. However, there is no existing method for quantitatively estimating occupants’ spatial preferences during space planning and design phases to optimize post-occupancy space utilization. Thus, in this study, an immersive choice modeling approach (ICMA) was developed to estimate the spatial preferences of occupants by integrating a discrete choice modeling approach with an immersive virtual environment simulation. The ICMA quantitatively estimates the spatial preferences of occupants in three steps: 1) discrete choice experiment design, 2) immersive virtual environment choice simulation creation, and 3) spatial preference modeling. The ICMA was successfully demonstrated by estimating the spatial preferences of 45 participants for an office. The application of an ICMA was then illustrated through a case example, highlighting its ability to predict space utilization in space planning and design phases.