Macdowell Tomova Egress Simulations

This early-stage study uses rhinoscript algorithms to evaluate egress design through crowd-behavior simulation. The project foregrounds algorithmic processes as a means to analyze design decisions and building codes—scripting, in this context, is more than just a way to generate novel architectural form.

In these scenarios, occupant-proxies travel down the stairs to exit the building and fireman-proxies travel up the stairs to rescue the disabled-proxies waiting in on each floor. The speed with which each proxy travels is variable within a certain range, just like real people. Proxies will avoid colliding with other proxies. When two proxies travelling opposite directions must pass each other, they will tend to move to their respective rights, if possible. Proxies try to avoid areas of extreme congestion, and will occasionally move wildly to extricate themselves if pressed.