2. At AECOM, we have an experienced
team dedicated to resolving crowd
flow movement problems using a
variety of pedestrian analysis and
modelling techniques. Through our
wide ranging projects we have
amassed considerable knowledge for
many varied challenges, and take pride
in working with others to develop truly
world class solutions.
Our work provides an evidence base for
wider evaluation of: existing and
proposed rail infrastructure, public
realm, sports venue and major event
planning, and design or refurbishment
of large institutions.
We have a sophisticated understanding
of pedestrian micro-simulation
modelling which our professionals use
to analyse and inform designs and
masterplans. In addition, we provide
complementary services such as
accessibility analysis, circulation and
movement strategies and can draw on
company-wide skills such as Fire
Safety, Operational Planning,
Architecture and Engineering.
Whatever your needs, AECOM can help
you to develop safe, efficient,
imaginative and reliable solutions for
pedestrian movements anywhere in the
world.
Welcome
3. Contents
Our capability
aecom projects
range of services
games, mega events and stadia
design of commercial and institutional
buildings
public realm and shared space
interchange planning and station
design
transport for london
4.
5. Capacity Problem
ClientDesign
Demand & Routeing
Static Analysis
Design Acceptable?
Guidance and Standards
Modelling
Feedback results from
Static Analysis
Emergency
Scenario
Other Scenario
Normal Scenario
Refinement
Acceptability
Solution
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No
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No
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AECOM is one of the largest, most
respected and experienced
transportation consultancies in the UK
with a reputation for technical
excellence in both its planning and
engineering disciplines.
At AECOM we provide an efficient and
effective interface between transport
planning and modelling, and urban
design and masterplanning of the
public realm.
The team has particular experience in
planning major sporting events, rail
station improvements and whole-metro
concept designs.
We have performed a variety of roles,
ranging from independent advisor for
major event centres and transport
systems, through to large multi-
disciplinary projects requiring us to
work alongside other experts to
produce an integrated design. In doing
so, AECOM has helped to solve
problems relating to circulation and
movement strategies, whilst
incorporating the need for refinement
and efficiency.
At AECOM our professionals have
extensive experience of solving our
clients’ problems via a range of
pedestrian analysis and modelling
techniques; this document outlines the
range of services that the pedestrian
modelling team can offer using
different, state of the art tools and
techniques.
6. Our Capability
AECOM has undertaken a wide range
of interesting and challenging projects
of varying scale and size in areas such
as Rail, Light Rail/Metro, Major
Sporting Events, Public Realm, and so
on, which have involved the application
of pedestrian planning and modelling
skills.
A selection of these is outlined at the
end of this document, after first
explaining the tools and techniques
used to inform our projects.
SPATIAL ANALYSIS
We offer various approaches to the
analysis of space: from ‘static’
calculations of infrastructure capacity
based on first principles and industry
standards, to more advanced
approaches using specialist software.
Examples may include investigating key
routes, way finding and natural
surveillance using axial line and
visibility graph analysis. In all cases we
can provide testing of, and input to,
designs– at all stages of their
development.
QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS
We recognise that the qualitative
assessment of plans, especially at early
stages of design, can be vital to identify
issues not highlighted by a purely
numeric approach.
To this end, we have developed our
capability in qualitative audits, for
pedestrians and cyclists respectively.
Moreover, the needs of specific groups,
such as persons of reduced mobility,
can benefit from qualitative surveys
and audio travel diaries.
LEGION MODELLING
We are experts in LEGION modelling; we
undertake model building and analysis
at scales ranging from small individual
stations to extensive urban realm areas
covering many hectares, backed by a
wealth of experience. Analyses include
standard LEGION outputs, such as
‘Level of Service’ density maps and
video clips from the models, together
with bespoke spreadsheet-based
numerical and graphical results. We
establish evidence to underpin
assessments and the development of
business cases relating to elements
such as infrastructure capacity, crowd
safety and the development of
operational plans .
DEMAND FORECASTING
We have extensive experience in
developing pedestrian and vehicle
demand forecasts from a variety of
sources: land use databases, national
and local forecasts and industry-
specific forecasting tools and methods.
VISSIM MODELLING
AECOM has extensive VISSIM
experience on vehicular and urban
realm projects and are distributors in
the UK for its creators, PTV. We are at
the forefront of use of the new
pedestrian module, VISWALK, with
opportunities to contribute to its
development.
The VISWALK module simulates
interactions between pedestrian and
vehicle flows realistically. Traffic lights,
pedestrian crossings and normal parts
of streets can all be modelled and
simulated in VISSIM. The person, as a
factor, can be given more effective
consideration using the Social Force
model utilised in VISSIM.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION MEASURES
To address emergency planning
requirements, calculations should be
undertaken to ensure safe evacuation
times can be achieved with any
proposed design. In order to provide a
robust evidence base for such analysis,
it is advised that static calculations are
reinforced by micro-simulation
modelling of pedestrians in an
emergency situation. In addition to
planning for emergency conditions,
adequate provision should be made for
operation of the facility while certain
circulation elements are out of use,
especially the lifts and escalators and
perhaps one or more escape routes.
VISUALISATION FOR PUBLIC
CONSULTATION AND DECISION
MAKING
The excellent visualisation capabilities
of software such as LEGION and VISSIM
make these powerful tools for
architects and planners, enabling them
to present their plans graphically to
stakeholders and the public. This
provides the link between pedestrian
planners, architects, and decision
makers, who may have little or no
planning/modelling background.
Moreover, members of the public can
readily understand and interpret
proposals allowing them to participate
in discussions regarding the design of
towns, cities and public places.
7. AECOM Projects
The Urban Space Team at AECOM has
an extensive list of past projects
demonstrating our skills within
micro-simulation. Listed below are
some examples of our previous
projects:
Al Haram Grand Mosque
Al Wakrah World Cup Stadium 2022
Arlesey Train Station
Bank Underground Station
Canning Town Underground Station
Cardiff Mill
Clapham Junction Train Station
Colindale Underground Station
Crossrail
DLR Cutty Sark
Doha Metro
Dublin Metro - Airport Stop
Ealing Town
Earlsfield Train Station
Edinburgh Park Station
Elephant And Castle Underground
Station
Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games
Harlow Roundabout Modelling
Highbury Corner
Inverness Train Station
Leeds Train Station
London 2012 Hadleigh Farm
London 2012 Olympics
London City Airport Road Network
Lusail Cable Car
Manchester Metro Link
Marriott School, Stevenage
Moscow Multi-story Lift Lobby
Assessment
Newcastle Central Station Gating
Assessment
Nobel School, Stevenage
Northampton West Development
Papworth Hospital
Partick Train Station
Perth Train Station
Rio Olympic Stadium
Riyadh Metro
Silvertown Quay
Southall Road Network
Stanford-le-hope Train Station
Swords Metro Station Quarter, Ireland
Thetford Road Network
Tottenham Court Road
Tramlink Extension, Croydon
Tyne And Wear Gating Assessment
Vancouver Airport Fire Station
Waterloo Train Station
Whitgift Shopping Centre
Wimbledon Train Station
8.
9. Range of Services
At AECOM we have extensive
experience and a proven track record
of applying the expertise and skills of
crowd planning and pedestrian
modelling to various spheres of
developmental commissions. The
following sections briefly outline the
major sectors in which we are typically
involved.
GAMES, MEGA EVENTS AND STADIA
Large scale events such as sporting
events or concerts present challenging
conditions for crowd movement.
AECOM, working with stakeholders
such as venue owners/designers,
transport companies and local councils,
can provide qualitative and quantitative
analysis in order for them to plan and
operate events for the comfort and
safety of spectators. Weaknesses in
the design or operational plans can be
identified at initial stages through static
analysis. In conjunction with
stakeholders, these issues are
addressed and further refined through
micro-simulation tools.
DESIGN FOR COMMERCIAL AND
INSTITUTIONAL BUILDINGS
We have worked on tourist attractions,
hospitals, schools and multi-storey
office blocks to assess every
conceivable pedestrian-building
interaction. This may include assessing
lift operation, queue management and
ticketing strategies, maximum tour
group size, evacuation strategies,
building facility layout and so on. Our
ability to understand the practical
implications of design changes can be
invaluable, saving both money and time
early in the process.
Planning may include not only the main
event itself, but also interim
development stages with ‘test’ events,
as well as ‘legacy use’ layouts.
PUBLIC REALM AND REGENERATION
The crowd planning and pedestrian
modelling team work alongside urban
designers to develop movement
strategies for masterplans.
Interconnectivity, journey time, safety
and ease of movement in an area all
contribute to the perceived
attractiveness and hence value of a
development site. Our team assesses
alternate outline masterplans to
provide advice on refinements and
amendments in all these areas with a
view to achieving solutions that work in
the best possible way for pedestrian
movement and circulation.
An important component of this work is
the successful planning for the
movement of both vehicles and
pedestrians in the shared space.
Pedestrian simulation models for street
level operations are created using the
relevant software (either LEGION or
VISSIM). These models are used to
evaluate the way in which people would
move and interact if the proposed
designs for the urban realm were
implemented.
INTERCHANGE PLANNING AND
STATION DESIGN
We can provide assessments of all
movements within a multi-modal
interchange, particularly cross-flows
which often occur in such a facility. The
outcome of such commissions is
normally in the form of circulation plans
which ensure safe and efficient
interface between alternate modes,
through identification of desired lines of
movement. We also help in allocating
amenities in the most strategic
locations, ensuring minimum disruption
to pedestrian flows and reducing
congestion. One additional key
objective is to reduce pedestrian and
vehicle conflict and enhance efficient
integration amongst them.
With regard to station design, the layout
of platforms is a key consideration: it
can influence, or be influenced by, the
overall structure of the station and how
they are intended to operate. Our team
can accurately predict minimum sizing
requirements based on current and
forecast passenger demand.
The efficient design of a space and its
allocated functionality, incorporating
services such as ticket purchase
facilities, amenities, circulation
channels, waiting space, travel
information and luggage desks
increases the effectiveness and
efficiency of the station.
Pedestrian planning and crowd
modelling techniques assist in
achieving this objective, through
realistically representing the operation
of the station during the peak times and
identifying the bottlenecks and pinch
points which need design or
management interventions to ensure
efficient and safe operation. Our
outputs are often used to support a
business case to secure the investment
needed for projects of this nature.
10. Games, Mega Events
and Stadia
RIO OLYMPIC GAMES & PARALYMPIC
2016
AECOM was commissioned by the
public-private partnership (PPP)
delivering the infrastructure for the
Olympic Park to provide design support.
As part of this support, crowd modelling
was undertaken to ensure that the
spectator experience will be enjoyable
through well thought out connections
between venues, sufficient space for
enjoying the Park atmosphere and
minimised waiting time to enter and exit
the Park.
In order to allow the PPP to deliver this
vision, the crowd modelling team
undertook extensive analysis of the
front of house area, working closely
together with the masterplanners and
venue design teams.
A combination of static analysis and
dynamic modelling using the LEGION
modelling software suite was
undertaken to provide an
understanding of how the Park might
work during the three peak periods
expected during the day. The three
peak periods considered were: bump-in
where spectators are entering the Park
for events in the morning, interpeak
where morning session spectators are
leaving the Park and afternoon session
spectators arrive, and bump-out where
spectators leave at the end of evening
sessions. Due to the size of the Park
and the numbers of people moving in
and out of the Park daily, this was an
important assessment to ensure that
elements such as the personal search
areas, circulation space and exits were
appropriately sized, particularly as
there are also safety
The results of the analyses were fed
back to the design team and
incorporated as part of the Masterplan
being developed for the Park.
11. AL-MASJID AL-HARAM CROWD FLOW
ASSESSMENT
Automated Mataf system conceptual
design development.
AECOM was one of three finalists
appointed by the Ministry of Higher
Education, Saudi Arabia, to develop an
Automated Mataf System (AMS) for the
world’s busiest mosque in Makkah. The
challenge was to devise a system that
would provide the highest hourly
capacity (circa 15,000) for infirm and
disabled pilgrims wishing to participate
in the religious festivals during Hajj and
Ramadan, yet at the same time not
detract from pilgrims’ experience and
also minimise the impact on the
mosque itself.
The aims of the AMS are to transfer
pilgrims from several interchange
stations surrounding the mosque to the
mosque itself, and to also transport
those who require it around the mosque
to complete the Tawaf and Sa’ai rituals,
before transferring them back to their
original interchange stations.
GLASGOW 2014: CROWD MODELLING
ASSESSMENT - SECC AND HAMPDEN
PARK VENUES & LAST MILE ROUTING
AECOM was appointed by Glasgow 2014
to undertake crowd flow analysis for
two venues: the SECC cluster with five
competition halls, and Hampden Park
– the main athletics stadium and venue
for the closing ceremony.
The analysis comprised static analysis
and LEGION micro-simulation
modelling. Our initial phase of work
comprised the busiest Arrival,
Changeover, Bump out, Rainy Day and
Evacuation scenarios for each of the
two venues. The SECC cluster included
the three main halls, the Clyde
Auditorium and the new Hydro area,
with a combined seating capacity for
spectators of circa 18,000 for all five
halls during the Games. Hampden Park
was modelled with a seating capacity of
circa 44,000 for the games.
RIO 2016 ASSESSMENT BASKETBALL
ARENA DESIGN
Our pedestrian modelling team
undertook micro-simulation modelling
using LEGION to assess the internal
design layout for a proposed arena with
circa 12,500 capacity to be used in the
Rio 2016 Olympics.
The modelling assessed spectator
flows for Departure and Interval
periods, with analysis required for
stairs, entrances/exits, concourse
circulatory areas, refreshment serving
points and toilets. Spectator types
included able bodied as well as those
with restricted mobility. The LEGION
outputs were able to identify capacity
constraints with some of the proposed
facilities, allowing the design team to
provide additional facilities where
needed in the next iteration of designs.
12.
13. Design Of Commercial
And Institutional
Buildings
BUILDING SCHOOLS FOR THE FUTURE
As part of the Hertfordshire BSF
program, AECOM was commissioned to
undertake LEGION pedestrian
simulation modelling to test the
proposed designs for both Marriots
Lonsdale and Nobel Schools.
This was to assess the safety, comfort
and efficiency of the forecast
pedestrian movements within the
schools and ensure that a robust design
had been put forward. This work
highlighted areas of concern based on
predicted levels of congestion, and
results were presented back to the
architects with recommendations on
how to alleviate these issues. Following
some modifications the models were
retested and showed improvements in
flows to a level which could be
considered acceptable.
PAPWORTH HOSPITAL
REDEVELOPMENT LEGION
MODELLING
Prior to Papworth Hospital being
redeveloped, as part of the tendering
process for the redevelopment AECOM
supported one of the bidders in the
preliminary design process, at the
competition stage, for selection of
preferred bidder(s).
Micro-simulation modelling of the
movement of people in the hospital was
carried out using the LEGION software
suite, in order to assess the initial layout
design, to fulfill bid requirements. The
modelling helped to highlight any
congestion or conflict pinch points in
the layout, so that necessary
amendments and refinements could be
undertaken at a later stage prior to
submission of the bid.
14. Public Realm and
Shared Space
TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD
REDEVELOPMENT MASTERPLAN
London Underground Limited (LUL)
commissioned AECOM during the
planning stages for a major
refurbishment of Tottenham Court Road
Underground Station.
This would involve substantial
infrastructure changes within the
station, alteration of traffic at street
level as well as large-scale changes to
the surrounding urban realm. Of
particular concern was the fact that
these changes could have significant
impacts upon the pedestrian experience
at street level in the areas surrounding
Tottenham Court Road station during
the construction works, as well as once
the final enhancements were in place.
Subsequently AECOM was
commissioned by the contractor (Taylor
Woodrow Bam Nuttall joint venture
– TWBN) responsible for undertaking
the work, to test design stages D3, D4,
D5 and D5 Enabling Works.
LEGION models were produced for all
aspects of this study which enabled the
LUL project team to plan mitigation
measures with confidence that the
solutions proposed would work safely
and minimize the impact on pedestrians
in this busy part of Central London.
16. Interchange
Planning and
Station Design
QATAR RAIL
DOHA METRO SYSTEM
AECOM’s pedestrian modelling team
supported one of the three Design
teams commissioned to produce
concept station designs for Qatar Rail’s
new Doha Metro system.
The Brief required two different layout
designs to be put forward for each of
seven stations, including three ‘flagship’
stations, generic ‘underground’,
‘elevated’, ‘at grade’ and ‘underground
with interchange’ designs.
The pedestrian modelling team
undertook initial ‘first principal’
assessments as well as static analysis
before building LEGION models for all 14
designs to test station performance
against the predicted passenger
demand in 2026.
Having fed back our assessments of the
designs, we discussed with the Design
team where the layout was causing any
problems and the recommended series
of actions required to resolve this in the
most effective manner.
As a result, the Design team was able to
discuss ideas with the pedestrian
modelling team for initial feedback prior
to incorporating into the final designs,
which were again tested and this time
found to meet the performance criteria
specified by the client. This process
reduced wasted effort, maximised
efficiency and ensured an integrated
approach to the overall design process.
17. CROSSRAIL WEST STATIONS
PASSENGER FLOW ASSESSMENT
Network Rail commissioned AECOM to
deliver design options for 12 stations
along the Crossrail West line as part of
the Governance of Railway Investment
Projects (GRIP) – Stage 4 process. As
part of this process, passenger flow
assessments were carried out on each
station to provide input to the detailed
design.
Six stations were modelled dynamically in
detail, through the LEGION modelling
suite, in order to understand passenger
movements through a busy station under
normal operations, perturbed operations
and emergency evacuations.
For the remaining six stations, static
assessments were carried out for normal
operations and emergency fire
evacuations to assess whether the layout
would be suitable to be taken forward.
Furthermore, a detailed assessment was
carried out for the construction stages at
all stations to determine whether
passengers could continue to use the
station as normal, or if restrictions on
routeing and waiting areas would need to
be put in place whilst construction
hoardings are present.
STATION REDEVELOPMENT AND
GATING STUDIES
AECOM has undertaken assessments
of station upgrades throughout the UK,
including performance assessments of
revenue protection barriers, circulatory
areas including bridges and
concourses, platforms and station
entry / exit points.
Each station presents its own unique
challenge, and often as a result of
spatial constraints limiting the options
available. Analysis may include
assessing queue length and delays,
evacuation times, passenger comfort
levels and ultimately safety under both
normal and evacuation scenarios.
Stations assessed include Newcastle
Central, Partick, Perth, Inverness,
Wimbledon, Earlsfield, Elephant &
Castle Underground and others.
RECONFIGURATION OF DORVAL
STATION (MONTREAL, CANADA)
Transport Quebec proposed
implementing major changes to the
transportation infrastructure in the
heart of the metropolitan region known
as the Dorval Circle.
The area is an important highway
interchange as well as a major
multimodal interchange, with the
county’s busiest train corridor. AECOM
has examined the available options for
station configuration which was fed
back to the client for inclusion in their
design and operational management.
Both the dynamic modelling and static
assessments were based on industry
standards and best practice.
18.
19. AECOM has a long standing connection
with Transport for London (TfL),
working together to improve London’s
transport system.
London’s vast history has moulded the
city that you see today. With Roman
roads, Victorian subways and railways,
and post-war motorways, it is a
challenge to keep the whole network
moving as efficiently as possible.
Projects AECOM have worked with in
connection with TfL include Tottenham
Court Road Crossrail station, London
Borough of Ealing Network assessment,
Southall network assessment and DLR
station asssessments.
LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES
Olympic Stadium Pedestrian
Access
The London Olympic Stadium was the
centre piece of the 2012 Olympic Games.
In order to develop a robust spectator
access strategy for the Games, a
demonstration VISSIM pedestrian
model of the access route from West
Ham tube station to the Olympic
Stadium was developed. The Level of
Service (an indicator of crowding/
congestion) for the pedestrian route
from/to the station was calculated (and
represented graphically) at critical
points on the network. As well as the
LOS, the journey times between the
stadium and the station were reported
on. The modelling exercise highlighted
several issues which could be put in
place in order to reduce congestion on
the route.
russell square media transport
hub vissim modelling
AECOM was appointed by LOCOG to
develop a detailed VISSIM micro-
simulation model, using the pedestrian
modelling add-on module, to assess the
operation of the Media Transport Hub at
Russell Square, Bloomsbury.
The complex service staging, loading
and dispatch operation and strategies
was coded using the VISSIM signal logic
subsystem VAP and COM through Excel.
This allowed a variety of assumptions to
be tested. It was also possible to
produce bespoke modeled outputs and
logging during the model runs.
TRANSPORT
FOR LONDON
