Next generation crowd flow simulation and visualisationSponsored by Buro Happold

Crowd flow simulation uses sophisticated agent based modelling techniques to predict the behaviour of people within a building or an urban space. This prediction allows us to optimise the design and management of spaces, making them robust for normal and emergency conditions.

With the technologies in computer graphics, VR, GIS, network analysis, and GPU based computing converging, there is an increasing demand for rapid simulation tools that not only produce accurate simulations but also provide realistic visualisations of crowd movement.

This project aims to progress the development and use of the next generation crowd flow simulation tools with detailed interactions between the agents and their surroundings, and high quality visualisations. The fast models would enable execution of thousands of runs testing different designs and scenarios, and enabling optimisations using sensitivity analysis and Monte Carlo simulations. The work will extend Buro Happold’s crowd flow simulation software SMART Move that brings together the strengths of network modelling and agent-based simulation technologies to offer integrated modelling of people, transport, and baggage.

The use and development of the software on real design projects will be aimed at enabling the tool to be market leading, whilst providing the candidate with the invaluable opportunity to become an expert in the field of crowd flow modelling.

Applicants are required to have
• A bachelor degree (1st or 2.1 honours)
• Good knowledge of computer vision, computer graphics and mathematics
• Strong programming skills, particularly C++, and Matlab
• Good communication and presentation skills
• GPU programming and talent in visual arts a plus

Informal enquiries on the project can be made to Prof Anthony Steed (http://www.cs.ucl.ac.uk/staff/A.Steed). For further information on the EngD Programme, see http://engdveiv.cs.ucl.ac.uk/ or contact Dr Jamie O'Brien, [Email Address Removed].

To be considered, you must fill in the general UCL application form.
Please see http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate-study/application-admission/
where you can download the forms and guidelines. Make sure you specify Supervisor (Anthony Steed), and EngD (“Next generation crowd flow simulation and visualisation”) on the “Research Subject Area” part of the form.

The post will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found. We encourage those interested to apply as soon as possible.