NIKKEN SEKKEI URBANISM

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NIKKEN SEKKEI URBANISMTECHNOLOGY & URBAN DEVELOPMENT102 _ 103GUIDING THE CROWDHajj is considered the largest annual gathering of people in the world. Between the 8th and 12th of the last month of the Islamic calendar, pilgrims from all around the world meet in the holy city of Mecca to perform their mandatory pilgrimage. The pilgrimage underlies a decided schedule, which leads to the situation that most stages in the series of rituals are performed by all pilgrims at the same time and at the same place. With a steadily growing number of pilgrims arriving for Hajj-currently almost 3 million-the city infrastructure is annually exposed to the challenge of providing public safety and order during this period.Forecasts expecting the number of pilgrims to grow to almost 4 million in 2029 as well as several severe safety incidents during the past years which had cost hundreds of pilgrims their life demands to take action and address these challenges in a coherent approach.In parallel with the exploration of expansion plans of the Holy Mosque, the Pedestrian Route Improvement Master Plan examine new strategies and approaches for organizing and controlling the movement of the crowds of pilgrims. The design challenge especially has to address the fact that over 20% of the visitors are older than 56 years old, and 40% do not understand the local language.The master plan proposes intervention and improvements in three sectors.Crowd simulation and analysis revealed that through the widening of the passageways and re-arrangement of pedestrian ows, an alleviation of the crowd converging around the holy Kaaba can be achieved. Simulations also revealed the west side of Jamarat Bridge, where the stone-throwing ritual is performed, as another critical bottle neck. Through the introduction of the West Jamarat Plaza and a partial multi-level pedestrian highway, additional capacities can be accommodated at better safety.Providing a coherent and multi-modal transportation network was identied as the second eld of intervention. The introduction of a barrier-free metro and bus network would not only benet the weak and the elderly, but also enhance safety along the crowded pedestrian routes.The third proposed action targets the provision of amenities and facilities. Through the introduction of services at key locations, and through offering open spaces for refreshment and relaxation, the pilgrimage would be made more comfortable and safe. At West Jamarat Plaza, a proposed multi-story service facility would further seamlessly integrated with bus terminal.The master plan proposal is supported by dynamic crowd simulations. Micro-simulations for West Jamarat Plaza revealed the best master plan alternative which would allow for a maximum but stable ow of pilgrims. Supporting the ow of pilgrims, dynamic and easy to understand way-signage are proposed. Through the utilization of thermography cameras and count sensors with the mandatory distribution of IC-enabled wrist bands to all pilgrims, authorities can be supplied with real-time flow information. Utilizing this information, pedestrian ow would then be monitored and managed the through real-time information displays for pilgrims on information terminals and cell phones and provide smart mobility routing for a variety of transportation modes. Continuous operation would lead to gradually better predictions in the future, providing better safety even though the amount of pilgrims will grow.Mecca Pedestrian Corridor Master Plan | Mecca, KSA, 2011 Site Area: 1,500 hectares

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