Jaimie Johnston MBE (he/him)

I very much enjoy working at Circle.’Architectural Assistant Mirabell Schmidt completed her Masters of Architecture degree at the University of Westminster in 2018.

Despite the advances, construction planning is still typically done using static Gantt charts which, although highly detailed, often have the potential to be inflexible, inefficient and inaccurate, and cannot allow stakeholders to explore fully and rapidly the ‘what if’ of projects and the effects of their decisions on the final product.A lack of clear visualisation can also limit the communication of the planning to the project team and again result in an unclear relationship between project briefing, design and execution.

With concept and design project stages – where this work is often done – being where the largest potential gains can be made, the power to positively influence a project with thorough optioneering to reduce risk and increase predictability is crucial..Creating flexible, digital models that reflect the world around us.This is where the real strengths of Discrete Event Simulation (DES), or time-based process simulation, can be brought in.

Using tools such as Lanner Witness or AnyLogic, a digital model can be created from the macro to the micro scale, including global supply chain and logistics, down to individual site operations.Digital models built within these tools are made with the logic and rules necessary to represent the real-world process and constrain the system.

These are typically based around the flow of operations, their dependencies and the resources required to complete them.

However, one does not need to rigidly prescribe any of these aspects in detail, or hard-code them, to derive the results, but rather use the simulation engine to logically sequence operations and how resources are used.. A simple example of this could be a set of assembly operations occurring simultaneously, which use both shared components – bolts, for example – and resources, such as an operator or a wrench.This approach aims to prepare inmates for reintegration into society, potentially lowering re-offending rates.

The discussion highlights how thoughtful design can support rehabilitation by providing inmates with a sense of normalcy and dignity, which are crucial for their psychological well-being.. 4.Sustainable and human-centred prison design.

The application of sustainable building principles, similar to those used in Passivhaus designs, is explored as a way to enhance living conditions within prisons.These principles focus on energy efficiency, good air quality, and ample natural light, which not only reduce environmental impact but also improve the physical and mental health of inmates.