How crowd simulation modelling enables organisations to develop social distancing strategies
Summary
The Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic has created unique challenges, with remote working and social distancing measures being hastily introduced in March. However, certain sectors are keen for staff to return when possible, and are analysing crowd simulation models to develop more effective social distancing measures. “Every single organisation out there is working on a plan for social distancing measures,” says Shrikant Sharma, director of people movement and analytics at engineering consultancy Buro Happold. We can map those in a static sense, but the real risk is when those dots move – that is hard to predict.” Crowd modelling software has been used for 20 years to simulate the movement of groups of people. “Another group that’s often referred to is the elderly, who need more time when they’re crossing a road or entering a building.” Estimating the potential number of people within a private building, such as an office, can be quite simple, as is understanding the expected composition, because organisations will already have this information through their employee details.