Simulation of Pedestrian Flow and Spatial Optimization Strategies in Primary and Secondary Schools:A Design Exploration based on the MassMotion Model
ZHOU Xi
TANG Yao
ZHANG Fang
YANG Shiqi
Abstract：In the new era of developing high-quality basic education,primary and secondary school campuses are larger in scale and more comprehensive in function.This shift has created complicated problems with pedestrian flow.Many campuses become congested during peak hours.Such congestion reduces the efficient use of space,causes uncomfortable user experiences,and poses safety risks.
This study used the behavioral simulation method to conduct a quantitative analysis of pedestrian flows at campuses.The method provides more scientific references for spatial optimization.After comparing popular simulation software,the study chose MassMotion for its mature technology and high operability as the computing platform.Three schools in Chuzhou City,Anhui Province,were chosen as research samples,representing primary schools,junior high schools,and nine-year integrated schools in the compulsory education period.A comparative analysis of the simulation results was conducted to explore and summarize pedestrian problems in campus spaces.
Firstly,the spatial models of the three schools were constructed using the MassMotion behavioral simulation software.Secondly,basic data,including pedestrian parameters,path preferences,and behavioral features,were collected through field surveys,and parameters were set(e.g.,pedestrian speed,path,number of pedestrians,and starting and ending points in the simulation models).Next,typical peak hours were chosen for the simulation-namely,commuting time,break time,exercise,and dining.Pedestrian density maps,individual route maps,occupancy time maps,and individual count maps were produced by using platform computing.Finally,pedestrian issues in campuses were classified and analyzed systematically,then combined with the spatial configuration of primary and secondary schools.
The results indicate:(1)There is a temporary tidal flow problem at the entrance space,notably during the concentrated arrival of parents and students.(2)The design of the horizontal access space in campuses is unreasonable to some extent,and the current width of the corridors is insufficient to satisfy the needs of student traffic during peak hours.(3)Many campuses have inadequate planning of vertical transportation spaces.The insufficient number or improper locations of stairs can easily lead to vertical transportation bottlenecks.(4)Some of the corridors and waiting spaces are insufficient,affecting the distribution efficiency of students.
Based on an analysis of existing challenges,this study focused on four key spaces:entrance,corridor,vertical traffic,and waiting,to develop targeted spatial optimization strategies.The distribution efficiency in the entrance space was improved by enlarging the entrance and exit,increasing waiting buffer zones,and optimizing the organizational structure of squares.To ease bottlenecks in corridor space,pathways were widened,diversion paths were provided,and corridor flow lines were changed.Pedestrian movement in vertical traffic spaces was dispersed by expanding staircase width,optimizing locations,and modifying vertical traffic patterns.For the waiting space,a three-dimensional multi-layer connectivity architecture was introduced to expand the activity area and decrease local congestion.The optimized design scheme was brought into the platform for cyclic computing and testing.Results show that pedestrian density declines significantly after optimization,accompanied by improvements in the commuting efficiency of individuals and the enhancement of space utilization comfort.
The study confirms that MassMotion software offers a scientific and quantitative analysis tool for campus spatial design with high relevance in particular pedestrian traffic scenarios in primary and secondary schools.However,it lacks operational intelligence and flexibility when dealing with disordered conduct.Given that it is a crucial tool for traffic space analysis,future studies should increase the sample,refine the indicators,and develop technical guidelines.It also should be included in the campus design.In short,behavioral simulation will provide future architectural designs for primary and secondary schools.
Keywords：primary and secondary schoolsbehavioral simulationMassMotionpedestrian flow analysisspatial optimization
Publication Date：2025-09-30
Online Publishing Date：2025-10-20(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：13( 80-92 )