A level-of-details framework for representing occupant behavior in agent-based models

Agent-based modeling is an advanced computational technique capable of representing complex and dynamic processes of human behavior in building performance simulation. Though the agent-based approach supports diverse applications concerning human behavior modeling within the built environment, there is no consensus on the optimal amount of information or level of granularity needed for occupant information representation. This paper attempts to formalize the level of details (LoD) needed for occupant behavior representation in agent-based environments. A novel framework, grounded on the concept of LoD, is proposed to select the required details in representing occupants in agent-based models. Ten attributes related to occupants’ presence, movement, behavioral processes, and repertoire are considered to define the LoD. The framework identifies use case parameters as the guiding principle and allows a hybrid approach for selecting varying degrees of occupant attributes to serve the purpose of simulation. A discussion on the pertinence of different occupant behavior LoDs in relation to the desired objective and simulation context is also presented. The study intends to support the occupant behavior research by advancing agent-based occupant modeling in building performance simulation.