Application of shape grammar theory to underground rail station design and passenger evacuation

This paper outlines the development of a computer design environment that generates station ‘reference’ plans for analysis by designers at the project feasibility stage. The developed program uses the theoretical concept of shape grammar, based upon principles of recognition and replacement of a particular shape to enable the generation of station layouts. The developed novel shape grammar rules produce multiple plans of accurately sized infrastructure faster than by traditional means. A finite set of station infrastructure elements and a finite set of connection possibilities for them, directed by regulations and the logical processes of station usage, allows for increasingly complex composite shapes to be automatically produced, some of which are credible station layouts at ‘reference’ block plan level. The proposed method of generating shape grammar plans is aligned to London Underground standards, in particular to the Station Planning Standards and Guidelines 5th edition (SPSG5 2007) and the BS-7974 fire safety engineering process. Quantitative testing is via existing evacuation modelling software. The prototype system, named SGEvac, has both the scope and potential for redevelopment to any other country’s design legislation.

This paper outlines the development of a
computer design environment that generates station ‘reference’
plans for analysis by designers at the project feasibility stage.
The developed program uses the theoretical concept of shape
grammar, based upon principles of recognition and
replacement of a particular shape to enable the generation of
station layouts. The developed novel shape grammar rules
produce multiple plans of accurately sized infrastructure faster
than by traditional means.
A finite set of station infrastructure elements and a finite set of
connection possibilities for them, directed by regulations and
the logical processes of station usage, allows for increasingly
complex composite shapes to be automatically produced, some
of which are credible station layouts at ‘reference’ block plan
level.
The proposed method of generating shape grammar plans is
aligned to London Underground standards, in particular to the
Station Planning Standards and Guidelines 5th edition (SPSG5
2007) and the BS-7974 fire safety engineering process.
Quantitative testing is via existing evacuation modelling
software.
The prototype system, named SGEvac, has both the scope and
potential for redevelopment to any other country’s design
legislation.