Potential Application of Brainwaves to Optimise Evacuation Wayfinding Performance During Fires

Abstract

optimising human evacuation wayfinding performance is crucial for effective and safe egress during building fires. Recent studies show various cognitive processes significantly influence indoor wayfinding performance. However, neuro-architecture studies that characterize cognitive brain activity during fire evacuation remain limited. Electroencephalogram (EEG) brainwaves have been adopted for accurate measurement and representation of human cognitive processes. The application of EEG brainwaves that reflect cognitive brain activity during fire evacuation could be useful to optimise evacuation wayfinding performance during fires. This conceptual paper proposes the potential application of EEG brainwaves to optimise evacuation wayfinding performance by highlighting the brainwave patterns that occur during cognitive activity under various indoor scenarios. Significant brainwave features and patterns are highlighted as potential extraction targets (through signal processing) to accurately characterize cognitive brain activity and evacuation wayfinding performance during fires. Findings are envisioned as significant foundations for future neuro-architecture studies to improve building fire safety designs by optimising occupant evacuation wayfinding performance.