Understand, Model, and Optimize Public Spaces

Pedestrian Flows and Public Space Usage: Observation, Modeling, Simulation

Public spaces are dynamic environments where individuals move according to their goals, physical constraints, and social norms. These spaces are not only areas for circulation but also for interaction, socialization, and appropriation.

Our expertise in pedestrian flow studies, visitor flow simulation, and public space usage analysis helps identify how people interact with space, how movement patterns emerge, and how design influences behavior.

We use a combination of behavioral, ecological, and activity-based methods to reveal the key factors shaping public space dynamics. Our goal: to support the design of functional, accessible, and high-performing public environments.

Optimize Public Spaces Through Behavioral and Ecological Analysis

Our approach combines ethological, ecological, and urban analysis to understand:

• The relationship between physical space elements (street furniture, layout, topography, sensory ambiance)

• Individual and collective movement patterns

• Spontaneous social regulations related to shared space and coexistence

We focus on space legibility and affordances, ensuring that public spaces intuitively invite movement, interaction, and leisure, while remaining accessible and meaningful to all users.

Our team applies methods from behavioral geography, analyzing how space characteristics—visual, sensory, acoustic—interact with users’ motor, perceptual, and cognitive abilities. We are part of the international Ambiances Network and use the CRESSON situated space methodology, ensuring our analyses are sensitive to the unique social, physical, and cultural context of each location.

Public Space Usage Analysis: Methodology

Identify Space Affordances and Actual Usage Patterns

We evaluate public space affordances—the suggested or intuitive uses—by assessing:

• Pedestrian goals (mobility, leisure, interactions)

• Physical and perceptual abilities of all users

• Spatial signals (signage, street furniture, pathways, accessibility features)

• Architectural features and design objectives

Compare Real-World Usage with Design Intentions

Our public space usage analysis identifies gaps between:

• The planned or designed functions of the space

• The observed pedestrian flows, interactions, and behaviors

This insight helps optimize space design, accessibility, and user experience.

Pedestrian Flow Studies and Visitor Flow Simulation

To anticipate behavior and test design scenarios, we combine:

• On-site behavioral observations

• Multi-agent pedestrian flow modeling

• Dynamic visitor flow simulation

Our simulations provide actionable insights to:

• Test different layout options

• Predict pedestrian movement patterns

• Improve safety, accessibility, and spatial efficiency

• Support large-scale event planning and crowd management

We use state-of-the-art tools to simulate real-life conditions, offering reliable data to guide decision-making in public space projects.

Key Areas of Expertise

• Pedestrian flow studies in public spaces, transit hubs, and event venues

• Visitor flow simulation for museums, cultural sites, and urban landmarks

• Development of universal accessibility in public environments

• Design of functional, inclusive, and high-usage public spaces

• Ergonomic signage and wayfinding solutions adapted to space design and cognitive capacities

• Pedestrian flow management and intermodality optimization

Example Projects

• • • • • • • Visitor flow simulation for a major museum, optimizing circulation and comfort

            • Pedestrian flow studies and modeling for the Beurs-Bourse redevelopment project in Brussels

            • Pedestrian simulation for visitor flows at Notre-Dame de Paris

            • Pedestrian flow modeling for the Montparnasse Tower plaza and interior spaces

            • Pedestrian and visitor flow simulation for Toulouse MEETT Exhibition and Convention Center

Simulate, and Optimize Your Public Spaces

Contact us for tailored studies in pedestrian flow optimization, visitor flow simulation, and public space usage analysis to enhance safety, functionality, and user experience.