Using agent-based modelling to probe inclusive transport building design in practice

Abstract

Subtle differences between universal design (UD) and inclusive design (ID) discourses impact inclusivity in practice. The level of service (LOS) is used as a proxy to evaluate inclusivity and agent-based modelling is used as a research instrument to probe how circulation and high levels of crowdedness impact inclusivity within a digital model of an underground transport building. Case 1 integrates ‘first-generation’ design methods and UD aims underpinned by social-model-of-disability discourses. Case 2 integrates ‘next, next generation’ design, vertical severance, service design and ID aims underpinned by socio-material-interactional discourses. While case 1 produced unsatisfactory results for inclusivity, case 2 increased the LOS and inclusivity throughout, and within the vertical circulation by five-fold, without increasing the overall cost or size of the building. Consequently, case 2 identifies how new ID guidelines, evaluation techniques and methods could enable inclusivity in practice.