Towards Modeling Cyber-Physical Hazards in Buildings: Interdisciplinary Approach

Contemporary buildings are cyber-physical systems characterized by complex engineering design, high-degree of system integration, cooperative controls and automation. A systematic analysis of these building designs for cyber-physical risks needs modelling. This article proposes a new approach combining systems thinking in order to model the underlying physical processes and their relationship; interactions between systems and its components; and interdependency between the flow of information and energy in the design of built-environment. A preliminary analysis of cyber-physical hazards to integrated fire-safety in a real-world office building design is presented to exemplify the application of the proposed method as a case study. The study is aimed at developing a practical tool towards identifying and modeling emergent cyber-physical hazards in the design of buildings.