Visualization of Occupant Behavior in an Open Academic Space Through Image Analysis

Abstract

Between agent simulation and circulation diagrams within design pedagogy, the prediction of occupant movement in space is integral to the informed design process. At the same time, trends in higher education have led to more open-ended spaces that are then studied for the unexpected ways in which students collaborate. These studies, by the unpredictable nature, must be done post-occupancy. In this paper, occupant behavior is visualized from an image dataset over a 9 day period in an open student environment. The methods for extracting behavior through this large dataset are presented. The results are then reflected on in regard to the role of circulation diagrams for interior design and spatial planning.