Advanced Building Simulation

238 Malkawi
(a)
(b)
Figures 9.26 Participants inside the CAVE environment. (See Plate XVIII.)
environmental factors in the three-dimensional geometry of the work place (Malkawi
and Choudhary 1999; Malkawi and Primikiri 2002). As mentioned earlier,
Augmented Reality is an emerging new Human–Computer Interface paradigm that
has the potential to achieve such a goal.
To develop an augmented system, one can test the data visualization capability and
then the issues of integration between simulation and visualization in real-time can be
investigated. Data mapping techniques similar to the ones used in fully immersive environments
can be used for the augmented systems. To account for the real-building
overlay, no geometrical representation will be required. Only data visualization and
interaction paradigms need to be developed. Interaction methods and behavior can
be tested using VRML and then translated into the hardware.
To test the simulation interaction with visualization, one can develop a VRML
model, test its methods and then translate it into AR modules. One such study is a system
that was developed to allow users to remedy problems on site by providing the ability
to try various combinations of building components and test their impact within an
interior space (Malkawi and Choudhary 1999). This system allows users to manipulate
building envelope parameters and materials, invoke a simulation model and display the
heat transfer information and comfort condition using the VRML. The objective is to
develop techniques for the visualization of thermal simulations in a highly interactive