JP7683330B2 - How computers design buildings - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for designing a building that includes an architectural space and architectural facilities.

For example, in buildings with architectural spaces where many people gather, such as hospitals and construction site guardhouses, it is necessary to prevent the spread of infection from viruses and other infectious substances.

As a means of preventing the spread of infection in architectural spaces, systems have been developed that can identify the infection risk for each location in architectural spaces based on the location and infection level of infected individuals (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2020-67939 A

In order to prevent the spread of infection in architectural spaces, it is necessary not only to identify the infection risk for each location in the architectural space, but also to equip the building itself with architectural spaces and architectural facilities that can prevent the spread of infection.

However, in a building with architectural space and building facilities, when an infectious substance such as a virus is released from an infected person into the architectural space, the extent to which the spread of infection can be suppressed depends on a combination of factors, including not only the shape of the architectural space (room), but also whether or not windows are opened for ventilation, the operational status of the ventilation equipment, the number of people in the room, the number of infected people who generate infectious substances, and the layout of the fixtures. For this reason, building designers must take these complex factors into account while relying on experience and intuition when designing, which poses the problem of requiring a great deal of time and effort in such design.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a building design method that makes it possible to easily design buildings that can effectively suppress the spread of infection.

The building design method performed by a computer of the present invention is a design method for a building that has an architectural space and architectural equipment, and includes a setting process for setting design information for the architectural space and the architectural equipment, a model creation process for creating an analytical model of infection risk based on the design information, and an evaluation process for evaluating the infection risk in the architectural space based on the analysis results of the infection risk using the analytical model, and is characterized in that when the infection risk assessment obtained in the evaluation process exceeds a predetermined threshold, after making a design change to at least one of the architectural space and the architectural equipment, the setting process, the model creation process, and the evaluation process are repeated based on the design information of the architectural space and the architectural equipment after the design change.

In the above-mentioned configuration of the computer-implemented building design method of the present invention, it is preferable that in the evaluation step, a concentration distribution of infectious substances emitted by an infected person at multiple positions in the building space is calculated using a fluid simulation with multiple parameters input, and when the number of positions determined to have a high infection risk based on the concentration distribution exceeds a predetermined percentage, it is determined that the evaluation has exceeded a predetermined threshold.

The present invention provides a building design method that makes it easy to design buildings that can effectively prevent the spread of infection.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the steps of a method for designing a building according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an analysis model created in a model creation process. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the results of an infection risk assessment obtained by analyzing the analytical model shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the results of an infection risk assessment obtained by analyzing a modified analytical model.

Below, a detailed example of a method for designing a building according to one embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings.

The design method for a building according to this embodiment is a design method for a building that includes an architectural space and architectural equipment, and includes a model creation process for creating an analytical model of the infection risk based on design information for the architectural space and architectural equipment, and an evaluation process for evaluating the infection risk in the architectural space based on the analysis results of the infection risk using the analytical model. If the evaluation obtained in the evaluation process exceeds a predetermined threshold, the design of at least one of the architectural space and architectural equipment is changed, and then the model creation process and evaluation process are repeated based on the design information for the architectural space and architectural equipment after the design change.

Here, architectural space is a space partitioned by the walls that make up a building, and is large enough to accommodate a large number of people inside. Also, architectural facilities are various facilities installed in a building, such as windows, ventilation equipment such as ventilators, air conditioners, lighting, outdoor air intake and exhaust vents, and fixtures arranged in the architectural space.

The above setting process, model creation process, and evaluation process can be performed, for example, using a microcomputer installed with three-dimensional simulation software that uses a numerical simulation method based on a mathematical model. The analysis model, analysis results, and evaluation results may be displayed on a monitor connected to the microcomputer.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the method for designing a building according to this embodiment, first, in step S1, design information for the architectural space and architectural equipment is set as a setting process. Specifically, as design information for the architectural space, three-dimensional design data related to the architectural space, such as the shape of the rooms and the configuration and arrangement of the walls that make up the architectural space, is set as design information, and input to a microcomputer in which three-dimensional simulation software is installed. In addition, as design information for architectural equipment, design information related to architectural equipment, such as the presence or absence and size of windows, the performance, number and arrangement of ventilation equipment, the performance, number and arrangement of air conditioners, the performance, number and arrangement of lighting, the number and arrangement of outdoor air intake and exhaust vents, and the layout of fixtures, is set and input to the microcomputer in the same manner.

Next, in step S2, a model creation process creates an analytical model of the infection risk based on the design information of the architectural space and architectural facilities set in the setting process. Specifically, a microcomputer with three-dimensional simulation software installed creates an analytical model of the infection risk based on the input design information of the architectural space and architectural facilities.

Figure 2 shows an example of a three-dimensional analytical model of a building created in the model creation process. The analytical model shown in Figure 2 is a three-dimensional analytical model of a building 1 used as a guardhouse at a construction site, and includes multiple walls 2 that make up the building 1, an architectural space (room) 3 partitioned by the walls 2, multiple windows 4 that cannot be opened or closed provided in the walls 2, multiple ventilation fans (ventilation equipment) 5, multiple air conditioners 6, furniture 7 such as desks and lockers with seating for 224 people that are laid out in the architectural space 3, and multiple doors 8. Note that in Figure 2, for convenience, only one member corresponding to each of the above members is given a reference symbol.

Next, in step S3, as an evaluation process, the analysis model created in the model creation process is used to analyze the infection risk in the architectural space 3 of the building 1, and the infection risk in the architectural space 3 is evaluated based on the analysis results.

The evaluation process can be carried out, for example, by a microcomputer with three-dimensional simulation software installed performing a fluid simulation with multiple parameters inputted into the analytical model created in the model creation process to calculate the concentration distribution of infectious substances emitted by infected individuals at multiple positions in the architectural space 3, and when the number of positions determined to have a high infection risk based on the concentration distribution exceeds a predetermined percentage, it is determined that the evaluation has exceeded a predetermined threshold.

In this case, the parameters that can be used include at least one of various parameters such as the shape and size of the architectural space 3, the configuration of the walls 2, the layout of the fixtures 7, the operating conditions of the ventilation fans 5, the operating conditions of the air conditioners 6, the amount of heat generated by the lighting, the number of people in the architectural space 3, the breathing rate of the people, the amount of heat generated by the people, the length of time the people stay in the room, meteorological conditions such as air pressure, temperature, and solar radiation, the position of the air intake and exhaust vents, the position and number of infected people who are sources of infectious substances such as viruses, and the amount of infectious substances emitted by infected people.

In this embodiment, the number of infected people 10 who produce infectious substances such as viruses is input as one parameter, and the window 4 is input as a recessed window that is kept closed.

The evaluation criteria can be, for example, to set the infection risk of a person when inhaling a predetermined concentration of an infectious substance in advance through experiments, etc., as "small," "medium," or "high," and determine whether the infection risk at each position in the architectural space 3 is "small," "medium," or "high" based on the concentration distribution of the infectious substance obtained by fluid simulation. When the total of the positions with a "high" infection risk and the positions where an infected person 10 is present exceeds a predetermined percentage among all the positions that have been subject to infection risk judgment in the architectural space 3, it can be determined that the infection risk in the architectural space 3 has exceeded a predetermined threshold.

In this embodiment, the predetermined threshold for evaluation is set to 50%. Note that the predetermined threshold for evaluation is not limited to 50% and can be set appropriately depending on the type of infectious substance, infectivity, etc.

Figure 3 shows the results of an infection risk assessment obtained by analyzing the analytical model shown in Figure 2. In the assessment results, of all the locations (224 locations) that were subject to the infection risk assessment in the architectural space 3, the total number of locations (115) with a "high" infection risk and locations where an infected person 10 was present was approximately 51%, exceeding 50%.

Next, in step S4, it is determined whether the infection risk assessment obtained in the assessment process exceeds a predetermined threshold. In this embodiment, as described above, of all the locations (224 locations) that were subject to the infection risk assessment in the architectural space 3, the total (115) of the locations where the infection risk is "high" and the locations where an infected person 10 is present exceeds 50%, so in step S4, it is determined that the infection risk assessment has exceeded the predetermined threshold. Note that an infection risk assessment exceeding the threshold means that the infection risk in the architectural space 3 of the building 1 is higher than the acceptable range.

If it is determined in step S4 that the infection risk assessment exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the building 1 requires a design change to reduce the infection risk, and in step S5, a design change is made to at least one of the architectural space 3 and the architectural facilities to a configuration that is considered to reduce the infection risk. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a design change is made to change the window 4 from a recessed type that is maintained in a closed state to an openable window. When a design change is made, the input of parameters is changed in the fluid simulation in response to the design change. In this embodiment, in response to the window 4 being opened and closed, a parameter indicating that the window 4 is in an open state is input in the fluid simulation.

After the design change is made, the process returns to step S1 again, and a process of setting design information for the architectural space 30 and architectural equipment after the design change is performed, then in step S2, a model creation process is performed based on the design information after the design change, and further in step S3, an evaluation process is performed to evaluate the infection risk of the analysis model after the design change. Then, in step S4, it is determined whether the evaluation of the infection risk in the architectural space 3 after the design change exceeds a predetermined threshold.

In this case, it is possible to appropriately change parameters other than the configuration of the building 1, such as the number of people in the architectural space 3, the breathing rate of the people, the heat generated by the people, the length of time the people stay in the room, meteorological conditions such as air pressure, temperature, and solar radiation, the position and number of infected individuals 10 who generate infectious substances such as viruses, and the amount of infectious substances emitted by the infected individuals 10, and to evaluate the infection risk in various situations according to the change in these parameters.

In step S4, the above design changes are repeated until it is determined that the infection risk assessment in the architectural space 3 is below a predetermined threshold. In this case, by making various design changes to reduce the infection risk one by one in sequence, the effect of reducing the infection risk through multiple design changes to reduce the infection risk can be easily recognized.

Then, in step S4, if it is determined that the infection risk assessment in architectural space 3 is below a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the infection risk in architectural space 3 is within an acceptable range, and the design is completed.

Figure 4 shows the results of the infection risk assessment obtained by analyzing the analytical model after design changes. In the case shown in Figure 4, the window 4 was opened as a result of the design change, and as a result, of all the locations (224 locations) that were subject to the infection risk assessment in the architectural space 3, the total (80) of locations with a "high" infection risk and locations where an infected person 10 is present is approximately 36%, which is below 50%. Therefore, in step S4, it is determined that the infection risk assessment is below the predetermined threshold.

In this way, according to the building design method of this embodiment, if the infection risk assessment result is poor, it is possible to make design changes while checking whether the design changes will increase or decrease the infection risk, so that from multiple design change options for reducing the infection risk, the one that is most effective in reducing the infection risk can be easily selected and used in the design of building 1. Therefore, according to the building design method of this embodiment, it is possible to easily design building 1 that can effectively suppress the spread of infection without relying on the experience or intuition of the designer.

In addition, according to the building design method of this embodiment, in the evaluation process, a fluid simulation with multiple input parameters is used to calculate the concentration distribution of infectious substances discharged from an infected person 10, who is the source of infection, at multiple positions in the building space 3. If the number of positions determined to have a high infection risk based on the concentration distribution exceeds a predetermined percentage, it is determined that the evaluation has exceeded a predetermined threshold. This makes it easier to evaluate the infection risk and makes it easier to design a building 1 that can effectively suppress the spread of infection.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, the building 1 that is the subject of the setting process and the model creation process is used as a construction site office as shown in FIG. 2, but the building 1 is not limited to this and can be various things as long as it has an architectural space 3 where many people gather, such as a hospital (waiting room), a school, or a meeting hall. In addition, the shape and size of the architectural space 3, and the type, number, and arrangement of architectural equipment can also be changed in various ways.

Furthermore, the parameters of the fluid simulation used in the evaluation process are not limited to those described above and can be changed as appropriate depending on the purpose of the building 1, etc.

1. Building 2. Wall 3. Architectural space 4. Window 5. Ventilator 6. Air conditioner 7. Fixture 8. Door 10. Infected person

Claims (2)

A method for designing a building having an architectural space and architectural facilities, comprising the steps of:
A setting process for setting design information of the architectural space and the architectural equipment;
A model creation process for creating an analysis model of an infection risk based on the design information;
and an evaluation step of evaluating an infection risk in the architectural space based on an analysis result of the infection risk using the analysis model,
A computer-implemented building design method, characterized in that when the infection risk assessment obtained in the evaluation process exceeds a predetermined threshold, the design of at least one of the architectural space and the architectural equipment is modified, and then the setting process, the model creation process, and the evaluation process are repeated based on the design information of the architectural space and the architectural equipment after the design modification. 2. The computer-implemented building design method of claim 1, wherein in the evaluation step, a concentration distribution of infectious substances emitted by an infected person at multiple positions in the building space is calculated using a fluid simulation with multiple parameters input, and when a predetermined proportion of positions are judged to have a high risk of infection based on the concentration distribution, it is judged that the evaluation has exceeded a predetermined threshold.

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