The Functional Design Method for Public Buildings Together with Gamification of Information Models Enables Smart Planning by Crowdsourcing and Simulation and Learning of Rescue Environments

Abstract

We have developed and piloted a method that can be used to create planning and learning environments that fuse buildings design with game programming. The method also allows e.g. to design and different simulations of building usage (like emergency evacuation by rescue teams). The method also brings together the students of game programming and buildings design with building users and construction professionals to work together towards mutual goals. This way they all learn in addition to group work to act in projects with students, building users and professionals of many disciplines. This is increasingly a key skill in the modern work life that relies heavily on projects. In this environment it is important for the actors to learn how to understand and appreciate the specialists of other disciplines and their professional skills. The gamified information model of a building can be used after its completion as a learning and testing space for the construction professionals. In the gamification we utilize our patented Functional Design Method for Buildings that enables to take into account the space needed for human actions in buildings or other targets under design in information model based (BIM) design of buildings. The objects to be dimensioned could e.g. be related to safety, loading and unloading areas or production processes and their requirements for space. An inverse approach is also possible. The method helps all actors of construction business, building users and students to better take into account and understand operational spatial requirements in a building and about safety.