Use of numerical models and modern technologies for the design and optimization of public space in the city
Abstract: Nowadays, microscopic models of the movement of pedestrians are commonly used aboard, both for assessing the safety of people and for ordinary pedestrian traffic behaviour. Examples include models of the evacuation of people in danger, operational models of movement at public events (festivals, parades, Christmas markets, etc.) or models of movement of persons when transported within transport hubs and connecting traffic. Quality input data are a crucial element of any modelling, including modelling of pedestrian traffic in public space. Before the actual design of the area is addressed, we need to know its input parameters, such as a number of people, directional survey, calculation of intensity on individual corridors, the capacity of dispersal areas, etc., which can serve as input data of the model for the analysis of the specifically addressed design. Even though we live in modern times, when data sharing has become a normal daily part of people's lives, it is very difficult to obtain data relating to people, the operation of the city and foot traffic in it. With the development of Smart Cities using modern technologies and data to increase the efficiency, economic development, sustainability and quality of life of citizens in urban areas, new possibilities are opening up for obtaining high-quality input data for numerical modelling that could lead to the symbiosis of these two sectors, resulting in an effective tool for urban governance and planning. The article is focused on the presentation of numerical modelling of pedestrians and its possible use in the design and optimization of public space. The process of analysing the quality of pedestrian traffic using a numeric model of pedestrian traffic is demonstrated in the concrete proposal of the revitalization of Mendl’s Square (urban transport hub in Brno). Simulation results, such as trajectories of people, Level of Service (LoS), the density of persons per m2, an average speed of persons, time of delay, etc., are indicators by which we can analyse the design and reveal the so-called "critical spot’s", evaluate the future comfort of the movement of persons in the area considered, optimize the operational processes as well as the geometry of the design itself. The future use of these methods for urban planning could be seen as a significant contribution to the creation of technically sound and functional solutions, both in terms of capacity, traffic flow and comfortable moving.
