ABSTRACT
Considerable progress has been made in occupant behavioral modeling and simulation; however, more work is needed to better reflect occupants as dynamic users of buildings. Currently, building performance simulations do not accurately reflect how buildings are used. For example, interactions may be represented in simulation as binary inputs (on/off, low/high, present/absent), which do not represent realistic occupant interactions. This chapter first defines building interfaces and human-building interactions (HBIs) and emphasizes the need for building simulation tools that accurately predict HBIs. The chapter begins with a theoretical framework that better understands HBIs in the context of simulation and a process that can be used to translate user needs to better predict and define HBIs. Next, the challenges surrounding the incorporation of interfaces and HBIs into simulation as well as current occupant modeling and simulation tool capabilities are discussed. To offer a glimpse into how simulation methods are emerging to address these challenges and gaps, a case study example of lighting interface design and controls logic in private offices is presented. In the final section, recommendations for further exploring and integrating HBIs into building performance simulation and future research needs are provided.
