Using Participatory Computer Simulation to Explore the Process of Urban Evolution

Abstract

When planners intervene in urban systems they seek in part to generate a positive response from those parts of a city outside of their control, namely the private market and private individuals. This response is difficult to predict due to the fact that the city is a nonlinear system of organized complexity. Models of cities which seek to explain this response are necessarily complicated and dynamic. Where an analytical solution is not possible we turn to computer simulation and interactive visualization in order to understand their output. Allowing human participation in such simulations provides a sandbox in which to experiment with the dynamic behaviour of an urban model and play a part in its evolution. Two possible options for structuring this participation are: (1) toy retail systems, which allow unconstrained experimentation, and (2) games, which impose rules and involve role‐play and competition. To explore these ideas we construct a toy retail system and a two‐player retail game, both of which are derived from an existing agent‐based retail model. We explore the application of these systems to the metropolitan county of South Yorkshire in the UK.

Distributed, integrated and interactive traffic simulations

“…Then, policies can be formulated and tested in this simulated environment Geurts 2004, Greenblat andDuke 1981). Lately, games are usually constructed by combining sophisticated computer simulations with interaction and role play (Dearden and Wilson 2011). Simulations provide a realistic context to the policy being tested.…”

“…Scholars have suggested that integrated frameworks and methods that support participatory processes in the context of realistic explorations of the complex dynamics of systems and of different data sets are the best ways forward for planning support (Dearden and Wilson 2011, Devisch 2012, Bueren 2009). Such frameworks are needed to further develop methodologies.…”

Planning Support Systems and Smart Cities

“…Lately, games are usually constructed by combining sophisticated computer simulations with interaction and role play (Dearden and Wilson 2011). Simulations provide a realistic context to the policy being tested.…”

“…The participatory approach focuses on politics and process, and tends to neglect scientific facts as described by models. The best way forward are mixed methods which integrate advanced computer simulations with collaborative processes, referencing both the dynamics of underlying systems as well as the political dimensions of planning (Van Bueren 2009;Dearden and Wilson 2011). Collaborative decision support systems, participatory simulations and gaming simulations have all been used as such mixed methods (Devisch 2012).…”

Investigating learners' engagement and science learning outcomes in different designs of participatory simulated games

“…Topics that are presented by participatory simulations include, e.g., beehives, pandemics or global warming. While engaging in a participatory simulation, students' learning can be enhanced through constant reflections on their experiences in both real‐world and virtual simulations (Dearden & Wilson, 2011; Dede, 2005; Klopfer & Squire, 2008). Moreover, participatory simulations can best support learning by allowing students to actively and collaboratively search for and create learning experiences, rather than passively accepting and absorbing information from a single source (Dede, 2005; Ke & Carafano, 2016).…”