Using Agent-Based Modelling (ABM) to Conceptualise Healthier Urban Development and Healthier Travel Behaviour
Topics:
Keywords: agent-based modelling, land use-transport interaction model, urban health, travel behaviour, urban development, planning and real estate, 15-minute city, behavioural science and theories
Abstract Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Authors:
Heeseo Rain Kwon, The Bartlett School of Planning, University College London
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Abstract
Extant literature highlight physical inactivity as a main risk factor of ill-health, impact of built environment on physical activity, and a relationship between health and socio-economic deprivation. However, little attention has been paid to the interaction between citizens’ travel behaviour and urban development actors’ decision-making behaviour with a focus on health and health inequality. Through a case study of Greater Manchester (GM)'s 'Streets for All' initiative which includes the 15-minute neighbourhood concept, this research builds an agent-based model (ABM) using NetLogo. This model conceptualises the feedback loops where 1) citizens’ switch to non-car modes increases physical activity leading to better health and further encouraging active mobility, and 2) more consumer/user demand for carless urban environment leads to pro-health urban development in land/building use change that facilitates further mode switch away from car, creating a virtuous cycle. Behavioural rules for land/building use change scenarios are informed by policy/industry reports as well as first-hand interviews/surveys of planning and real estate actors with a focus on the impact from increased work from home and local living. System-level pro-health patterns of urban development are measured in metrics such as density, proximity and diversity adapting the 15-minute city framework. Reflecting the theories of planned behaviour and interpersonal behaviour, the rules for individual residents’ switch of main mode of transport from car to non-car modes are set using the Census individual microdata. The aim is to run simulations until 2040, perform spatial analysis of borough/neighbourhood-level health and health inequalities, and generate policy implications for behavioural change.
Using Agent-Based Modelling (ABM) to Conceptualise Healthier Urban Development and Healthier Travel Behaviour
Category
Virtual Paper Abstract