Conception of Urban Space - Simulators Supporting Planning Work

Experimenting with “space”, joint exploring solution possibilities with all those concerned and the anticipation of the future involving as little risks as possible are important functions of space-related simulation contributing to increasing of knowledge, decision-finding and communication throughout the planning process. Questions as to conception of urban space, the modeling of urban volume and urban design, the improvement of spatial match (“fit”) and workability regarding utilization (”fitness for use”) call for suited simulators supporting planning work. All planning phases of urban-spatial planning processes are to benefit thereby: understanding is promoted, spatial characteristics developed, preservation- and renewal priorities are deduced, variants are conceived, spatial impact analysis of spatial ideas and graphic communication are to act as basis fordecision-finding. The present contribution also discusses the application possibilities of the “CAVE” (space with threedimensional image projections) as planning tool. The following questions are to be covered: qualitative and quantitative aspects of modeling of urban space, planning benefits arising from differing “levels of details” (LOD’s), “navigation in” and “interaction with urban spaces”, testing in line with requirements and examples of planning practice as well as current research- and development needs