Models in Urban Planning: a Synoptic Review of Recent Literature

Abstract

This paper attempts to set up a rudimentary conceptual framework for planning, within which the use of models can be studied. This framework is set up in the first section of the paper, and is based on the use of an hierarchical relevance tree. The second section of the paper delineates urban systems which can be usefully modelled, gives a set of rules for model design, and discusses some technique problems associated with model construction. It is argued that models are developed at lower levels in such a hierarchy to represent understanding of the systems being planned. The recent literature on the development of such models is reviewed. This covers model development for spatially aggregated population and economic systems, urban structure, transport, and, more briefly, social systems. Finally, the possible applications of models in the design process and the higher levels of the planning process, is discussed.