The agent-based modelling as a decision support tool for brownfield redevelopment

Abstract

In recent history of urban studies there is a focus on sustainable urban development and long-term strategies. Dealing with brownfield redevelopment is of vital importance for the prosperous practice of urban planning. The current decisionmaking methods for brownfield redevelopment are mainly used for evaluating on-site situation, but not for future development plans. The purpose of this paper is to consider potential uses of agent-based modelling (ABM) in brownfield redevelopment decision support practice. In these models, agents are assigned with certain rules of behaviour that define their mutual interactions and allow simulations in a previously defined spatial framework. These collective behaviours influence the spatial patterns through interactions of individuals, which is reflected in the fact that the actions of the agents do not simply sum to the activity of the whole. This tool provides us with opportunity of observing possible scenarios of future brownfield development and making adequate decisions and strategies accordingly.