Deployment of Mathematical Simulation Models for Space Management

Buildings are responsible for roughly one third of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within developed countries, yet space utilization efficiency is still a widely unidentified topic. With the sector only starting to become aware of it as a means to reduce GHG emissions and save (financial) resources there are hardly any strategies to improve space utilization efficiency. Mathematical modeling and simulation (MMS) offers a wide variety of tools and approaches to analyze and improve systems and for producing answers to problems that cannot (or only at a very high “price”) be answered in real life. Yet, at the time being MMS is generally not being used in the realm of real estate management. This thesis’ original contribution to knowledge is bridging the gap between space management and MMS, covering multiple aspects of the problem. First an introduction to the problem of space utilization and management, including identification of potentially interesting objects (educational facilities) and (legal) obstacles, is given. Next the classical definition of the MMS-process is expanded in order to reduce chances for misunderstandings and poor project-design in MMS-projects, followed by an evaluation of the mathematical options for improvement of space utilization, which shows a lack of practical solutions to solve real-world problems in this area (timetabling and scheduling). Subsequently the focus is shifted from timetabling to room allocation, for which a tool-set is assembled. This includes methods for system analysis, model-deployment and -integration and approaches for mathematical modeling of the respective systems. For system analysis the Business Process Modelling Notation (BPMN) is adapted for improved efficiency and the Stakeholder Analysis (SHA) process is formalized. For model-deployment methods from computer sciences (Entity Relationship Modelling) are transferred and combined with techniques from information visualization. Based on this a guideline for deployment of mathematical simulation models is created, which allows identification of obstacles for model-deployment within real-world systems and provides options for project modification to overcome those. Finally mathematical definitions are introduced, allowing formalization and quantification of the problems faced in space management. This elaborated theoretic base is put to test in a case study at Vienna University of Technology (TU Vienna). In the course of the project it is found that the institutional obstacles (identified at the very beginning) hinder great improvement. Workarounds, based on the developed deployment guideline, still allow for a reasonable outcome of the simulation project. In the hope that financial savings are a sufficiently strong motivation for a thorough implementation in the private sector, an outlook is given for improvement of space utilization