Researchers at Lancaster University have developed new mapping technology to help future generations design their own urban landscapes.
Their research argues that current planning methods overlook the value of public participation in shaping towns, cities, and counties. They suggest using gaming platforms to plan future cities and immerse the public in these virtual worlds.
Using games
The researchers have modified the game “Cities: Skylines,” allowing players to control zoning, public services, and transportation. Real-world buildings and models can be imported into the game, creating realistic cities to inform planning decisions. Players manage services like education, police, and healthcare, set tax policies, and even measure citizen happiness.
Players must add infrastructure, manage resources, and consider community needs. According to the Royal Town Planning Institute, only 20% of young people are interested in planning. The researchers believe digital games can engage the public by making planning policies interactive and accessible.
The study highlights the need for greater public involvement in planning. It advocates using gaming technology alongside 3D planning models, City Information Models (CIMs), and Urban Digital Twins (UDTs)—virtual replicas connected to real-world sensors like traffic or air quality monitors. These tools can enhance public engagement and generate future scenarios.
Limited usage
However, the researchers note that the current use of gaming technology in planning is one-sided. They call for integrating game design elements like mechanics, dynamics, and world-building to boost citizen engagement.
This method, they argue, is cost-effective and can be implemented across the UK. They have already conducted workshops with Lancaster City Council, involving 140 children in planning a new garden village for 5,000 homes with support from Lancashire County Council and Homes England.
Digital games have a history of simulating various aspects of human activity, such as politics, culture, and urban planning. Games like SimCity and Cities: Skylines have long provided platforms for exploring urban development. Yet, many current planning scenarios do not fully incorporate game design principles necessary for effective engagement.
A new approach
The researchers have created a reference tool for new planning models, offering insights into the potential of gaming technology in urban planning. Their paper explores the role of world-building games in urban design, proposing a framework for future applications.
Cities are complex systems, and games allow players to navigate these complexities, simulating behaviors and scenarios. However, the limited use of gaming technologies in real-world planning misses opportunities to engage players in reshaping these systems.
The researchers emphasize the urgency of this need, especially as new governments aim to address housing shortages and boost economic growth. Planners need support, skills, and tools to engage the public effectively.
While gaming technologies offer ways for citizen participation, significant challenges remain. The researchers conclude that games, often seen as trivial, can be powerful tools for conveying information and understanding complex systems. With only 20% of young adults involved in local planning, gaming can transform public involvement, helping people think like planners and use gaming tools to design future spaces.
