Simulating human-building interactions in adaptive environments: Narrative-based coordination of human and spatial agents

Multi-agent simulation supports occupant behavior analyses in static buildings, but rarely extends to dynamically reconfigurable environments, preventing pre-deployment evaluation of human-building interactions. This paper introduces a narrative-based framework modeling occupants and adaptive architectural systems as agents, positioning buildings as active participants rather than passive containers. A narrative formalism coordinates human and spatial agents, a visual scripting interface enables non-experts to author interaction scenarios, and modular components aim to foster usability and transfer across spatial contexts and interaction types. An exploratory, early-stage evaluation with novice architects in an academic setting modeled eight scenarios spanning multiple spatial scales and four adaptive component types using a shared component library, indicating the framework supports simulations across spatial contexts and adaptation types. Survey responses ( n = 25) suggest participants perceived it as valuable, transferable, and supportive of complex interaction scenarios. An exploratory between-cohort comparison links reduced visual scripting node counts to improved perceived template support.