Human-Computer Interaction and Human-Building Interaction

Human-Building Interaction (HBI): An Investigation of Immersive Virtual Environment (IVE) as Intelligent Observation Methods

Chanachok Chokwitthaya, Kailun Feng & Weizhuo Lu

Published 2025

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📄 Paper
This chapter examines the various methodologies used to study human–building interaction (HBI), ranging from traditional methods such as surveys, field monitoring, and laboratory experiments, to advanced techniques involving immersive virtual environments (IVEs). These methods provide essential insights into how occupants interact with building systems and how these interactions influence building performance in terms of energy efficiency and comfort. The chapter highlights the significance of integrating multiple observational methods, IVE-enhanced method, to achieve a comprehensive understanding of HBI. It explores case implementations that demonstrate the practical application of the method, showing how accurately simulated interactions align with real-world HBI. Furthermore, the discussion extends to the implications of HBI research for sustainable building practices and the enhancement of occupant well-being. Concluding, the chapter discusses the outlook for enhancing HBI research, emphasizing the contributions of this research and the potential advancements through the IVE-enhanced method. It underscores the importance of continuing to refine and expand the use of immersive technologies in understanding and improving the interactions between building occupants and their environments. This focus is expected to lead to more effective building designs that are not only energy-efficient but also aligned with the needs and preferences of occupants, ultimately enhancing both comfort and sustainability.

Abstract

This chapter examines the various methodologies used to study human–building interaction (HBI), ranging from traditional methods such as surveys, field monitoring, and laboratory experiments, to advanced techniques involving immersive virtual environments (IVEs). These methods provide essential insights into how occupants interact with building systems and how these interactions influence building performance in terms of energy efficiency and comfort. The chapter highlights the significance of integrating multiple observational methods, IVE-enhanced method, to achieve a comprehensive understanding of HBI. It explores case implementations that demonstrate the practical application of the method, showing how accurately simulated interactions align with real-world HBI. Furthermore, the discussion extends to the implications of HBI research for sustainable building practices and the enhancement of occupant well-being. Concluding, the chapter discusses the outlook for enhancing HBI research, emphasizing the contributions of this research and the potential advancements through the IVE-enhanced method. It underscores the importance of continuing to refine and expand the use of immersive technologies in understanding and improving the interactions between building occupants and their environments. This focus is expected to lead to more effective building designs that are not only energy-efficient but also aligned with the needs and preferences of occupants, ultimately enhancing both comfort and sustainability.

Topics

AI occupancy modelingAR/VR interfacesHCI-HBIOccupant Behavior Analysis and Spatial OptimizationReview PaperVR dashboardsXRAI for AECbehavior modelingmetaverse for AECmovement analysisoccupant behaviorsensor-driven designspace utilizationspatial analytics

Cite this paper

@Inbook{10f7d044,
author={"Chokwitthaya, Chanachok and Feng, Kailun and Lu, Weizhuo and Malakhatka, Elena and Wiberg, Mikael"},
title={"Human-Building Interaction (HBI): An Investigation of Immersive Virtual Environment (IVE) as Intelligent Observation Methods"},
bookTitle={"Human-Technology Interaction: Interdisciplinary Approaches and Perspectives"},
year="2025",
publisher="Springer Nature Switzerland",
address="Cham",
pages="255--287",
abstract="This chapter examines the various methodologies used to study human--building interaction (HBI), ranging from traditional methods such as surveys, fieldmonitoring, and laboratory experiments, to advanced techniques involving immersive virtual environments (IVEs). These methods provide essential insights into how occupants interact with building systems and how these interactions influence building performance in terms of energy efficiency and comfort. The chapter highlights the significance of integrating multiple observational methods, IVE-enhanced method, to achieve a comprehensive understanding of HBI. It explores case implementations that demonstrate the practical application of the method, showing how accurately simulated interactions align with real-world HBI. Furthermore, the discussion extends to the implications of HBI research for sustainable building practices and the enhancement of occupant well-being. Concluding, the chapter discusses the outlook for enhancing HBI research, emphasizing the contributions of this research and the potential advancements through the IVE-enhanced method. It underscores the importance of continuing to refine and expand the use of immersive technologies in understanding and improving the interactions between building occupants and their environments. This focus is expected to lead to more effective building designs that are not only energy-efficient but also aligned with the needs and preferences of occupants, ultimately enhancing both comfort and sustainability.",
isbn="978-3-031-78357-9",
doi="10.1007/978-3-031-78357-9_9",
url="https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-78357-9_9"
}