Assessing public space design at transport stations during emergency situations using a data-driven agent-based model
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Yang, Liu
Zhao, Fangfang
Zhang, Huijin
van Dam, Koen H
Majumdar, Arnab
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Introduction
Designing livable and resilient public spaces around transit stations is increasingly recognized as essential for promoting public health and well-being. Nevertheless, limited research has examined how different spatial configurations influence crowd behavior under both normal and high-risk scenarios. This study explored the design of high-quality public spaces around transit stations, focusing on crowds and considering responses to emergencies through computer-aided tools.
Methods
A literature review was conducted to identify urban design approaches relevant to infectious disease control and emergency management. Building on these insights, a data-driven, agent-based pedestrian model was developed to quantitatively assess design alternatives. The model incorporated diverse walking purposes and a heterogeneous population informed by observed behavior and tracking data. Using this model, a case study was conducted in Nanjing to test design strategies, such as street furniture, bollards at exits, and decentralized small open spaces, contributing to urban design guidelines for accommodating crowds in normal and risky conditions.
Results
Simulation analyses highlighted a set of urban design guidelines that improve the quality of public spaces around transit stations while enhancing resilience to infectious disease outbreaks and emergencies.
Conclusions
This study contributes to resilient transit-oriented development by providing evidence-based insights that can inform urban design practices and policymaking for public transport hubs.
Designing livable and resilient public spaces around transit stations is increasingly recognized as essential for promoting public health and well-being. Nevertheless, limited research has examined how different spatial configurations influence crowd behavior under both normal and high-risk scenarios. This study explored the design of high-quality public spaces around transit stations, focusing on crowds and considering responses to emergencies through computer-aided tools.
Methods
A literature review was conducted to identify urban design approaches relevant to infectious disease control and emergency management. Building on these insights, a data-driven, agent-based pedestrian model was developed to quantitatively assess design alternatives. The model incorporated diverse walking purposes and a heterogeneous population informed by observed behavior and tracking data. Using this model, a case study was conducted in Nanjing to test design strategies, such as street furniture, bollards at exits, and decentralized small open spaces, contributing to urban design guidelines for accommodating crowds in normal and risky conditions.
Results
Simulation analyses highlighted a set of urban design guidelines that improve the quality of public spaces around transit stations while enhancing resilience to infectious disease outbreaks and emergencies.
Conclusions
This study contributes to resilient transit-oriented development by providing evidence-based insights that can inform urban design practices and policymaking for public transport hubs.
Date Issued
2026-02-01
Date Acceptance
2025-11-21
Citation
Journal of Transport and Health, 2026, 46
ISSN
2214-1405
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Transport and Health
Volume
46
Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2025 Elsevier Ltd. This is the author’s accepted manuscript made available under a CC-BY licence in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy)
License URL
Subjects
Agent-based modeling
BEHAVIOR
Crowd behavior
DYNAMICS
FEATURES
INTEGRATION
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
OPTIMIZATION
Public space
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
RESILIENCE
Science & Technology
SIMULATION
STRATEGIES
STREET DESIGN
Technology
Transit-oriented development
TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT
Transportation
Urban design
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
102229
Date Publish Online
2025-12-01