M.S. Thesis:

Human/Environment Relations Analysis & Simulation
Using Human-Centered Systems Methods for
Design and Evaluation of Complex Habitable Environments
   by
Simonetta Andrea Rodriguez
Information Technology Group
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
School of Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Abstract (html), pdf format here.

Table of contents and index to sections in the pdfs.

Chapters and other sections in pdf format only:
[  part1  |  part2  |  part3    |  part4  |  part5  |  part6   |  part7  |  part8  ]

All sections in one zipped file (1087 KB).

Table of Contents

Front-pages  - part 1, pages 1-6

Chapter 1 - Introduction and Context - part 2, pages 7-20

Chapter 2 - Analyzing Human-Environment Interactions - part 3, pages 21-28

Chapter 3 - Brahms (Business Redesign Agent-Based Holistic Modeling System) - part 4, pages 29-46

Chapter 4 - Modeling the MARS in Brahms - part 5, pages 47-54

Chapter 5 - Analysis, Conclusions and Recommendations - part 6, pages 55-68

References & Bibliography - part 7, pages 69-76

Appendix – Brahms Code for the MARS Project - part 8, 77-88

ABSTRACT

An exploration with two main goals is presented:

1. Modeling a self-contained "intelligent building," the Mars Arctic Research Station (MARS) habitation unit, and interaction with its users. The modeling effort seeks representation of invisible aspects of the interactions between the station and its users rather than visible forms.
2. Examination of how (or if) the modeling process contributes to understanding of the interactions between human beings and the structures and technological features of their habitations… particularly when something goes wrong.

The modeling language and associated software chosen for study in this exploration is the Business Redesign Agent-based Holistic Modeling System (Brahms), developed by a team of researchers and computer scientists now involved with the joint NASA/Mars Society MARS project.

The issues and factors relevant to any attempt at modeling human behavior in interaction with habitable environments are specified. Brahms is described as a potential human-environment-modeling framework and language, and separately as a software system. The process of developing a Brahms model of the MARS habitat and a comprehensive analysis of that process are presented. Recommendations for similar future work with Brahms, as a modeling framework and language, and separately as a software system, are provided.