Navigating Crowds: Sidewalks & Corridors

  • Thread starter BenVitale
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In summary, the flow of crowds in a hall or corridor is faster next to the wall rather than in the middle of the crowd. However, when there is a bottleneck at a door or exit, the flow may be slower. On a sidewalk, the best location in a crowd to be is dependent on various factors and cannot be determined with a single answer. Fluid dynamics can be used as a model, but chaotic behavior may also occur in certain circumstances, such as when leaving a ferry. Overall, there is no one answer to the question of the best location in a crowd.
  • #1
BenVitale
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I'd like to know more about the flow of crowds in
(a) a crowd moving in a hall/corridor
(b) crowds moving on a sidewalk

(a) If you're in a crowd passing through a corridor is it faster in the middle or next to the wall?

With a fluid, it is faster next to the wall rather than in the middle of the fluid.

And, bottleneck at a door/exit

(b) on a sidewalk, people are moving in two directions, they constantly adjust their paths to reflect congestion and other dynamic factors.

What is the best location in a crowd to be?
 
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  • #2
BenVitale said:
What is the best location in a crowd to be?
There is no one answer fits all. It depends on far too many parameters. E.g. a crowd at the entry to a football stadium is different from a crowd leaving it. Fluid dynamics is the correct model. But as in fluids, there might also occur chaotic behavior in some circumstances.

I remember I once was in a crowd leaving a ferry. That wasn't easy, since nobody knew which deck was the one that matched the tide. It turned out the best place was behind an old couple who had trouble to walk. It was like driving in the shadow of an emergency vehicle, everybody took care and let them pass. I cannot imagine a model which would take such a phenomenon into account. So again: there is no answer to your question.
 

1. What is the purpose of studying the navigation of crowds on sidewalks and corridors?

The purpose of studying the navigation of crowds on sidewalks and corridors is to better understand how people move and interact in congested spaces. This can help with designing more efficient and safe pedestrian infrastructure, as well as predicting and preventing potential hazards or accidents.

2. How do scientists collect data on crowd navigation?

Scientists can collect data on crowd navigation through various methods, such as video recordings, computer simulations, and surveys. They may also use tracking devices, such as GPS or Bluetooth, to track the movements of individuals within a crowd.

3. What are some factors that can affect crowd navigation?

Some factors that can affect crowd navigation include the density and size of the crowd, the layout of the space, the behavior and intentions of individuals within the crowd, and external factors such as weather or time constraints.

4. How can the study of crowd navigation be applied in real-world situations?

The study of crowd navigation can be applied in various real-world situations, such as designing efficient transportation systems, planning for large events or gatherings, and optimizing pedestrian flow in crowded areas. It can also be used in emergency situations to prevent stampedes or other dangerous crowd behavior.

5. What are some potential implications of understanding crowd navigation?

Understanding crowd navigation can have implications in various fields, such as urban planning, architecture, and public safety. It can also help improve the overall experience of navigating crowded spaces for individuals, reducing stress and improving efficiency.

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