Using Games for Urban Planning

 Researchers are using city-building video games, like Cities: Skylines, to improve urban planning and public engagement. The researchers from Lancaster University believe that traditional planning methods often fail to involve the public, but these games can serve as a powerful tool to immerse people in the process of shaping their own communities.

The research shows that modified city-building games can act as a form of "digital twin," a virtual replica of a real environment. By importing real-world building models and data, players can manage realistic urban challenges like transportation, public services, and tax policies. This interactive approach allows people to not only learn about urban planning but also directly influence the outcomes of future developments. The game's dashboard can even measure citizen happiness, providing a tangible metric for the impact of their decisions.

Engaging the Public

A key finding is the potential for these games to make urban planning more accessible and less intimidating. The article mentions a workshop where 140 children played and planned a real area of Lancaster, UK, that was set for development. This kind of hands-on, playful engagement helps people think like planners and provides a way for communities to have a genuine voice in the transformation of their spaces. It addresses the issue that many people don't get involved in planning because the process seems opaque and overly complex.

The Future of Planning

The researchers argue that as governments face urgent needs for housing and economic growth, new tools are necessary to engage the public effectively. By using game platforms, planners can gain valuable support and develop the skills needed to involve people in creating future scenarios. This approach bridges the gap between expert knowledge and public opinion, suggesting that what might be dismissed as a trivial activity can become a powerful instrument for real-world change.

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