A crowd simulation-based tool for environmentally hazard-conscious urban design

The paper describes research within the scientific and methodological framework of new urban planning support tools oriented towards the prevention of risks due to natural disasters. In this context, the first results of the application of a prototype of a digital (agent-based) simulation system of crowd behaviour aimed at improving urban resilience are reported. The methodological macro-phases of the research are two: 1. to realise a simulation model of crowd evacuation following a natural or man-made disaster; 2. to define a set of safety-based urban design techniques capable of reducing urban risk and optimising urban shape. The paper describes the first results of the application of the macro-phase 1, in particular the simulation of Scenario 0 in case of a seismic event related to the case study of the historic centre of the town of Atri (Abruzzo Region, IT). The simulation shows that the current configuration of the waiting areas results in long evacuation times, insufficient capacity to accommodate evacuated persons, and clogged streets. In the next steps of the research, safetybased urban design techniques will be applied to Scenario 0 with the aim of obtaining an optimised design Scenario that improves urban form, reduces risk and increases resilience.