The project proposal addresses the challenges faced by small cities geographically isolated from larger urban centers due to geopolitical, economic, and global changes. To enhance social and economic stability, the proposal emphasizes the importance of strategic decisions in housing, land use, and overall urban development. The approach involves urban modeling, integrating spatial, social, economic, and ecological considerations.
The project is grounded in the theory of movement economy, asserting that spatial organization influences movement patterns, land use, and development. The interaction between urban structure and its content can yield positive or negative synergy. The proposed urban modeling, employing mathematical graph-based simulative models like Space Syntax, aims to assess the potential and added value of urban forms.
Data from sources such as OpenStreetMap, various agencies, and citizen input will be used to analyze social, economic, and ecological aspects. The detailed modeling will identify key areas of interaction, mixed-use degrees, pedestrian-friendly zones, and heritage connectivity. The results will inform decisions on transit-oriented development, affordable housing, cultural heritage, and economic diversification.
Inhabitants’ experiences will be captured using the Sociotope concept, providing insights into public space functionality. This data, combined with urban structure analysis, will contribute to an urban acupuncture map, identifying areas suitable for various activities and vulnerable zones. Example of such datat collection implemented by the authors in the project „Genius Loci“ Urbanization and Civil Society“ and granted by New Euroean Bauhaz award 2022 could be seen here: https://sanciubendruomene.lt/en/zemelapiai/dabartis/
The complex analysis results will be shared with the community and stakeholders, fostering a deeper understanding of challenges such as population decline, economic sustainability, and infrastructure development. A web-based platform will facilitate both top-down and bottom-up solutions, promoting community engagement. As an example could be seen various tools produced by the authors: https://sanciubendruomene.lt/lt/vizija/pasiulymai/ (community proposals), https://sanciubendruomene.lt/en/zemelapiai/tyrimas/ (imhabitants datat included itno simulative modelling)
The proposal draws on the authors’ experience, citing successful projects like “Genius Loci: Urbanization and Civil Society” and various city master plans. The integration of citizen input into simulative modeling aims to predict functional synergies and address identified city development challenges.
The project concludes with a predictive layer of the Acupuncturic Urban map, serving as a decision support tool for investment attraction, infrastructure maintenance, heritage management, and urban development strategies. The proposal’s comprehensive approach, illustrated in a general scheme, builds on successful precedents and expertise in urban modeling and analysis.