The Role Of Virtual Reality In Planning AndDesigning Underground Stations

Abstract

With the evolution of Virtual Reality Technology at an ever increasing rate it is now possible to model complex systems with an increased level of detail and accuracy which has not been easily achieved before . Although virtual reality is still a research and development tool its applications in the commercial world are far reaching , these have been clearly demonstrated by the enormous media attention and commercial interest in recent virtual reality exhibitions The CrossRail project team and London Underground Limited have embarked on a programme to develop virtual reality models to enhance existing models to assist with future station planning , design and evacuation The purpose of the paper is to describe the research and development of virtual reality model to visualise and simulate station architecture and passenger flows within a rail transport environment . There is a vested interest in the Mass Transit Industry such as London Underground's to understand the complex passenger flow and behavioural issues to enable good station design Current models used to model passenger movements in a rail station , model passenger flows at an aggregate level and does not incorporate behavioural characteristics in detail