Developing Social Simulations to Aid Scenario-Based Planning for Urban Regeneration Projects

Developing sustainable and circular urban precincts requires the buy-in and participation of users of the infrastructure in an optimal manner. The most well-designed and developed infrastructure will achieve its objectives only if they are used in the intended manner. To achieve this, planners need to consider social behaviour and expectations of users, and design precincts to facilitate sustainable behaviour. This paper presents research on developing a social simulation tool to aid decision-making in an urban regeneration project. Findings from a community survey of typical users of the precinct were used to understand sustainability behaviours and challenges. Outcome-based recommendations were assessed by the team to explore how these relationships could translate into tangible, built environment outcomes. Alternative options for different elements within the precinct were identified and prioritised based on the optimal environmental impacts for each option. These options were then used to develop a social simulation model, which was validated through focus group sessions with stakeholders within the precinct. The major contribution of this research is the development of a realistic simulation model to visualise and assess sustainability impacts of potential built environment interventions. Further research in this area will focus on disseminating the tool for use by different stakeholders and understanding the preferences of options for different groups of stakeholders and their related environmental impacts.