Use game theory to design buildings
There is a fascinating example of applying game theory to the design of building in this article. Mzo Tarr has used the prisoner’s dilemma and the public goods contribution game as models for designing structure.
The first case introduced in this article is The Warming Hut which aimed to comfort ice skaters. It was a physical incarnation of a prisoner’s dilemma. It has two separate rooms, which have special wheels to control the wind from outside. If people in both room choose to turn controlling wheels to the right (cooperate), then both room would have breeze. If only one wheel was turned to the right, then that room would let in strong wind, while the room with the wheel turned to the left (defect) would be blocked off and have no wind at all. If both wheels were turned to the left, then both rooms would get some wind.
Based on the results, people would find that no matter which direction the other room choose, turning it to left would have better payoff. Turning left is a dominant strategy for both rooms. If people in both rooms do this, then both rooms end up with wind. It would reach Nash Equilibrium. It is very interesting that if each individual is fighting for his own interest, the every one of them will get into a worse situation in the big picture, proving that Nash Equilibrium is not always the best choice.
The second case is introducing a Nash Pursuit Tower, which explains the principle of a public goods game in an architecture language. All people have a same decision to make – whether contribute their private area to a larger public green space or keep it to themselves. To incentivize sharing, each 1 square meter of flat space given up is compensated with 2 square meters for the communal garden. To avoid some free riders’ selfish action, architecture would arrange owners who is willing to contribute in the same floor. In the end, the cooperate floor results in a better outcome for all.
From these cases, we could say game theory, or “the mathematical study of decision-making between people in situations of conflict or cooperation” is involved in many areas in life. In Architecture design, architects would often try to balance the benefits of the client, planners, neighbors, and investors. Knowing the demand of each individual, architects could use Game theory to achieve better results for all.
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