Strong coupling between scales in a multi-scalar model of urban dynamics

Abstract: Urban evolution processes occur at different scales, with intricate interactions between levels and relatively distinct type of processes. To what extent actual urban dynamics include an actual strong coupling between scales, in the sense of both top-down and bottom-up feedbacks, remains an open issue with important practical implications for the sustainable management of territories. We introduce in this paper a multi-scalar simulation model of urban growth, coupling a system of cities interaction model at the macroscopic scale with morphogenesis models for the evolution of urban form at the scale of metropolitan areas. Strong coupling between scales is achieved through an update of model parameters at each scale depending on trajectories at the other scale. The model is applied and explored on synthetic systems of cities. Simulation results show a non-trivial effect of the strong coupling. As a consequence, an optimal action on policy parameters such as containing urban sprawl is shifted. We also run a multi-objective optimization algorithm on the model, showing showing that compromise between scales are captured. Our approach opens new research directions towards more operational urban dynamics models including a strong feedback between scales.