Rethinking train stations
Europe is proud of its traditional railway stations and their classical design as these represent important landmarks in many of its cities and towns. While these terminals are historically interesting, they may not be ideal in today's more dangerous world where disasters, from earthquakes to terrorist attacks, must be considered. At the same time, passenger comfort and overcrowding must also be addressed, leading to a need for better models in railway terminal design and function. The EU-funded project 'Advanced virtual agents for testing the accessibility of rail stations' (Avatars) has developed several simulation tools to model general circulation as well as passenger evacuation. These computer models can simulate circulation in both emergency situations and normal periods of activity, complete with passengers and agents to create various realistic scenarios. This allows the software to test and develop designs for improved passenger functionality and comfort. Avatar developed three key software tools. One looks at the interaction of people with each other and with the environment. The second generates different scenarios quickly to simplify simulations. The third supports stakeholders and terminal designers to identify challenges related to terminal design and function. These tools were tested and perfected using real-world data from actual terminals and trains, ensuring their viability and usefulness. A prototype software has been developed and could represent an important tool in upgrading current terminals as well as building new ones.
