Urban Planning in 3D with a Two-tier LUTI model

TL;DR

This paper introduces a two-tier 3D urban planning model that integrates regional population and employment flows with local spatial design, enabling dynamic scenario exploration and visualization.

Contribution

It presents a novel two-tier LUTI model integrated with 3D visualization in CityEngine, linking regional and neighborhood planning for dynamic urban development analysis.

Findings

Enables interactive visualization of multi-scale urban scenarios.

Connects regional forecasts with local 3D spatial design.

Demonstrates application through a South Yorkshire case study.

Abstract

The two-tier Lowry model brings dynamic simulations of population and employment directly into the planning process. By linking regional modelling with neighbourhood design, the framework enables planners to explore how alternative planning scenarios may evolve over time. The upper tier captures regional flows of people, jobs, and services, while the lower tier allocates these to fine-grain zones such as neighbourhoods or parcels. Implemented in CityEngine, the approach allows interactive visualisation and evaluation of multi-scale scenarios. A case study in South Yorkshire (UK) illustrates how regional forecasts can be translated into local design responses, connecting quantitative modelling with 3D spatial planning.