Centrally located yet close to nature: A prescriptive agent-based model for urban design

Authored by Francesco Orsi

Date Published: 2019

DOI: 10.1016/j.compenvurbsys.2018.10.001

Sponsors: No sponsors listed

Platforms: NetLogo

Model Documentation: ODD

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

A common dilemma for planners is how to design urban settlements that give people easy access to a center and nature. Difficulties arise because each households access to such elements is a function of other households' location and the set of potential arrangements is constrained by the households' degree of acceptance of different density levels. This paper suggests the ideal arrangement of built-up and green areas may be identified by simulating in an agent-based model (ABM) the interactions of virtual households that try to find the best residential location based on their preferences towards distance from the center, proximity to green space and density. Simulations showed that the ABM can, iteration after iteration, develop progressively better configurations and eventually get to an equilibrium if households' locational choice is driven not only by the maximization of individual utility, but also the preservation of the neighbors' well-being. Model's outputs suggest that compact settlements with an even distribution of green spaces offer the greatest benefits to their inhabitants, and that larger green areas are to be preferred when the population is less sensitive to density and/or the travel to the center is faster along some directions. Application of a rent formation model on the configurations generated by the ABM shows that these are relatively equitable, as lower income households could afford at least half of all locations. Future improvements can turn this model into a suitable tool for designing new settlements, guiding the densification of existing settlements or defining zoning regulations.
Tags
Simulation Cooperation GIS Negotiation Optimization health POPULATION DENSITY Cellular-automata Sprawl Form Green space Urban geography Compact city