A review of optimisation models for pedestrian evacuation and design problems

•Review of optimisation models for pedestrian evacuation and design problems.•Insights from both empirical research and descriptive models are included.•Classification criteria: problem type, model realism, and modelling technique.•Pedestrian dynamics are well represented in most of the recent models.•More attention should be given to calibration and implementation of the models.

This article presents a review of the use of optimisation models for pedestrian evacuation and design problems. The articles are classified according to the problem type that is studied, the level of model realism, and the modelling or solution technique. To substantiate the classification criteria and to provide a background for the reader, relevant empirical research and descriptive models (e.g., social-force and cellular automata models) are discussed. We conclude that most of the recent models explicitly include pedestrian dynamics, specifically congestion, but more attention should be given to calibration and implementation of the proposed models. Furthermore, optimisation models could benefit from including some of the modelling techniques used in descriptive models.