Integrated BIM + Parametric Modelling: A decision-support tool for human-centric campus simulation, automation, and optimization

Developing masterplans of large-scale areas such as campuses involves formulating multiple scenarios, considering various social, functional, environmental, and aesthetic factors, and pursuing multi-objective optimization to fulfill various conflicting quantifiable and non-quantifiable design objectives. However, current practice lacks an integrated methodology that enables automatic evaluation of those scenarios and visualization of their results to stakeholders. Using computer-performed simulations with innovative design methods to dynamically investigate and empirically assess how campus characteristics influence its inclusiveness, users’ behavior, and social interactions can help identify designs that stimulate human-centered principles. This paper introduces the integrated parametric BIM-based campus life simulation as a decision-support tool. It unifies the design and analysis cycles with scenario generation and design automation through a human-centered methodology. The supports interactive design processes that involve space exploration, analysis, and optimization, allowing the usage of multi-objective optimization methods to develop detailed design alternatives that fulfill conflicting quantifiable and non-quantifiable objectives. Thus, it functions as a descriptive and predictive tool and supports theory-testing and development.