Procedural Modeling of Urban Environments as a Public Engagement Tool

Keywords: Procedural modeling, CityEngine, ArcGIS Urban, Urban Policy, Housing
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Monday
Session Start / End Time: 2/28/2022 09:40 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/28/2022 11:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 66

Abstract

This research project harnesses the power of procedural modeling to help urban designers and city planners to visualize alternative urban layouts and assess multiple policy options on urban form. The City of SLO will be used as the case study for evaluating housing policy alternatives. Parametric Modeling Interface of CityEngine will be used to interactively control parcel, and building parameters. CityEngine allows users to design buildings, projects, and entire neighborhoods in 3D based on “rules” and regulations. CityEngine is advanced 3D modeling software for creating interactive and immersive urban environments in less time than traditional modeling techniques. The integration of ArcGIS Urban and CityEngine allows the visualization of multiple policy scenarios with incredible accuracy and time-efficiency. The effectiveness of visualization of policy alternatives (such as California’s recent housing bill SB-9) will be assessed qualitatively through focus groups with community members, that will respond to multiple policy scenarios first through text and conventional visualization tools, followed by interactive 3d model in CityEngine. Based on the lessons learned in the process, we provide recommendations for others how to use procedural modeling as a scenario planning and public engagement tool.