Issues in urban development are complex. Enabling decision makers with well-informed data is essential to getting different city departments to cooperate on complex issues like energy management, transportation, storm water processing, and economic development. Ultimately, informed decisions can lead to better outcomes for the city-- it can mean a better standard of living, healthier environment, reduced pollution, and better infrastructure.
Autodesk, the maker of digital software for engineers and architects, recently announced that Vancouver will be the 3rd pilot city in a program to create working 3D models of urban centers.
The Digital Cities initiative integrates GIS mapping, building information modeling (BIM), civil engineering, and utility data into one 3D model that can be used to simulate the city-wide effects of planning proposals and infrastructure improvements. The software will allow stakeholders from city departments, businesses, and the public to collaborate about city upgrades in order to identify the best solutions for smart and sustainable growth.
Imagine the city's transportation department, water board, and environmental engineers sharing the same model to view the impacts of adding bikes lanes and vegetated medians in the city. The model could illustrate changes to traffic flow, stormwater runoff, and air quality all at the same time. Encouraging cooperation between city offices will help spur smart decisions with cross-departmental benefits.
"Urban design at a city-wide scale is the next great design challenge," says Jay Bhatt senior vice president, AEC solutions, Autodesk. "Our Digital City technology provides cities like Vancouver with a comprehensive approach to create a sustainable city that balances economic and engineering demands with environmental and social needs."
Vancouver was chosen as the 3rd pilot city because of its innovative and sustainable solutions as well as an early commitment to digital software, GIS mapping, and 3D modeling. Vancouver plans to use the software to spur community involvement and transparency for its sustainable planning efforts.
The announcement of Vancouver's participation in the Digital Cities program follows a new commitment to urban planning by Canada's southerly neighbor. On February 19th, President Barack Obama established the White House Office of Urban Affairs to implement a coordinated and comprehensive approach to urban revitalization. Obama acknowledged that "In the past, insufficient attention has been paid to the problems faced by urban areas and to coordinating the many Federal programs that affect our cities."
After years of witnessing disjointed planning efforts, Obama seems to understand the bigger picture. "The research has shown that if you want a thriving suburban area, then you better have a thriving city," Obama says. "There is no separation. It is all linked together. We have to get past this notion that we can just leave the cities to rot, because your economy will rot. We want to work to revitalize cities, to diversify the economy."
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