Next generation crowd flow simulation and visualisation with Buro Happold Engineers Ltd

Crowd flow simulation uses sophisticated agent based modelling techniques to predict the emergent behaviour of people and resulting congestions 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.

The SMART Solutions team who are at the forefront of developing innovative computational tools for the construction industry have a dedicated team to deliver crowd flow modelling services for architects, transport planners, airport planners, urban designers, regulators, developers, fire engineers and security advisors to understand and optimise space layout, design and management. Our work is driven by rigorous research (both in-house and in collaboration with the academia) and sophisticated tools covering realtime capture of crowd flow data to static network analysis and dynamic simulation of crowd flow. SMART Move our in house crowd flow simulation software and brings together the strengths of network modelling and agent-based simulation technologies to offer integrated modelling of people, traffic, and baggage

This project aims to achieve the ultimate combination of speed, accuracy and visual output, using novel agent interaction algorithms, variable resolution modelling, clustering, parallel processing, and cloud computing techniques. Our ultimate goal is to achieve a) instantaneous high level analysis to enable design optioneering, and b) rapid detailed analysis to enable optimisation using sensitivity analysis of multiple scenarios.

Besides focusing on agent based simulation algorithms coupled with network models, the project is likely to explore interfaces in 3D visualisations, GIS, and crowd sensing technologies

The EngD in Systems is a full-time, four-year professional doctorate programme, offering the experience of rigorous, leading-edge research within a business context. The EngD researcher (RE) will spend approximately 75% of his/her time on the research project, with the remaining time spent on taught courses covering systems and business-related topics. The researcher will be registered at the University of Bristol.

Candidate requirements:

Candidates should have a minimum of an Upper Second (2:1) class honours degree (or equivalent)

Essential
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computing, Architecture, Science, Maths, or a related discipline.
• Strong programming skills, preferably in C/C++/C#.
• Strong analytical and numerical modelling skills.

Desirable
• Good communication skills, with strong written and spoken English.
• Knowledge and experience of latest technologies in e.g. 3D CAD and visualisations would be most desirable.
• An ability to think “outside the box” and solve problems of a multidisciplinary nature.