Human Spatial Behavior and Microclimates in Urban Public Spaces Using Agent-Based Simulation Modeling

Abstract

Microclimates play a crucial role in peoples’ participation in public urban spaces. It highlights an environmental impact on human spatial behavior in cities. Studies integrating microclimates and pedestrian behavior simulations are getting popular to help architects and planners toward an informed design process. This paper presents a case for Agent Based Model (ABM) as a microclimate integrated human spatial behavior simulation technique to develop socio-environmental focused, outdoor space design assessment tools. This study uses Federal Plaza in Chicago as a pilot study representing urban plazas with hot summer humid continental climate. The key findings of the study are: (1) current state-of-the-art modeling techniques to simulate human behavior and microclimates; and (2) to propose a public space design assessment framework using human spatial behavior and microclimates in ABM. This study contributes to research-informed outdoor public space designs for environmental, social, and economic upliftment of a city.