A survey of computer software for the simulation of city centre squares

Within the current urban design process there are increasing examples of three dimensional computer representations which allow the user to experience a visual sense of the geometry of city squares in an urban landscape. Advances in computer-aided design have contributed to this visual assessment, but there have only been limited attempts at 3D computer representations which allow the designer to simulate urban quality aspects relating to square design. This paper proposes that the incorporation of appropriate software applications into the urban design process can enable urban designers to more effectively test and develop their designs with consideration of user comfort. The incorporation of findings and results from these software applications into Virtual Reality (VR) technologies will also allow users to gain a greater sense of the urban space and to communicate the design and its effect on urban quality aspects more effectively. This paper presents the results of a study to select computer tools that could contribute to a more holistic approach to urban design. It will demonstrate a methodology for the selection and filtering of appropriate computer applications that could support the simulation of three-dimensional geometry, urban texture and urban quality aspects relating to the design of city centre spaces, before offering an evaluation of these tools.