Simulating the re-concentration of dispersed habitation in the peripheral urban area using an artificial society approach

Abstract

This study proposes an exploratory urban morphology agent-based model (ABM) to simulate the combined impact of the establishment of hub facilities that urban residents can conveniently access, policies for promoting human interactions around them, and the introduction of trams amidst dispersed habitations in peripheral urban areas. The proposed model offers a new perspective on ways to improve the urban environment. It describes a shift from dispersed habitation to concentrated habitation in a bottom-up manner through behavioural changes at the micro level, which lead to productive human interactions in an urban setting. Specifically, the model experimentally demonstrates a trade-off between increased human interactions caused by the introduction of hub facilities that attract a diverse range of activities, and policies that promote such interactions and development amongst dispersed habitation. Additionally, the model suggests that the direction of urban growth is a consequence of collective action, implying that collaborative efforts can facilitate its improvement.

Keywords

• urban morphology
• agent-based simulation
• land use changes
• smart growth
• transit oriented development