Visualization of urban alternatives

Advances in computer graphics technology have made it possible for planners to model urban environments in three-dimensional electronic space. Lower platform costs, higher perfor mance, and better software applications have brought modeling within the reach of most planning departments and urban design consultants. In this paper, examples are given of the critical role played by computer aided design (CAD) as a visualization tool in the planning process. The images presented have all been generated using AutoCAD and ArchiCAD, off-the-shelf CAD programs available on both PC and MAC platforms. Highlighted in this paper are two projects which use CAD to assess the impact of large-scale development. In both case studies, computer visualization expanded the range of alternative proposals under consideration. Community participation, historical context, and private participation are factors which influence the ultimate acceptance of visualized proposals. These actual cases studies are examples of the new opportu nities CAD offers in urban planning.