Towards a framework for evaluation of computer visual simulations in environmental design .pdf

Towards a framework for evaluation of computer visual simulations in environmental design Lamine Mahdjoubi , School of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Wolverhampton, Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SB, UK John Wiltshire , Department of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK Research has been conducted into the assessment of visual simulation as a credible method for predicting future environments, especially in building and landscape evaluation. Despite this work a conceptual framework to guide research and practice in this field has not been developed. The recent and increasingly widespread use of computer simulation in design has created an urgent need to develop a conceptual framework which can test prevailing assumptions and provide the basis for the development of an accepted theory in the field. This paper proposes such a framework, and identifies and relates the significant variables, which impact upon the application of visual simulation in an environmental design, task-orientated context.  2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved Keywords: environmental design, simulation, evaluation, computer- supported design, framework uring an architectural project life cycle, various types of visual Dsimulation tools are used for communication, collaboration and decision-making. Simulations in this field have and, still rely to a great extent on drawings and diagrams, sketches, photographs and physical models. Recent advances in computer technology and simulation software have fostered the use of computer generated imagery to emulate real life scenes or objects, or to sp