Spatial cognition and emotion simulation in urban interior environments using agent-based modelling

The proliferation of vertical urbanization has generated complex urban interior environments (UIEs), necessitating a deeper understanding of their impact on human well-being. This study investigates UIEs through neuroscience to develop a novel methodology for assessing volumetric spatial quality. This paper proposes the Cognitive-Emotional Volumetric Agent-Based Model (CEVABM), which integrates a systematic review of cognitive-emotional behavioural mechanisms to simulate spatial usage. By extrapolating emotional responses to UIE visual characteristics – including depth, colour and object taxonomies – into behavioural tendencies, CEVABM informs human flow simulations to evaluate perceived spatial quality. Results demonstrate quantifiable relationships between spatial features, emotional-cognitive responses and movement patterns, revealing how design elements shape experience in high-density interiors. This approach advances microscale UIE analysis by bridging spatial cognition, user behaviour and design, offering actionable insights for creating human-centred UIEs that prioritize experiential quality and well-being.HighlightsDeveloped a cognitive-emotional model for urban interior environments.Simulated emotion-driven pedestrian movement using neuroscientific data.Quantified how spatial features shape approach and avoidance in dense interiors.Validated the model with a case study at Hudson Yards, New York.Predicted emotion-driven navigation better than traditional spatial analysis.