Study on Visualization of Townscape Rules Using VRML for Public Involvement

Abstract

The importance of a visualization tool to improve public participation is becoming increasingly recognized within the urban planning and design community. The effective application of such a visualization tool in this context, however, remains relatively under explored. Based on a case study in which townscape rules were drawn up as a result of consensus through the landscape improvement committee of Nanao city, Japan, this paper discusses the potential and limitations of a visualization tool in improving public involvement for the purpose of reaching consensus on townscape rules at a district level. In addition, this paper reveals the need for a knowledge–based database system linking with VRML objects for powering a visualization tool to provide necessary information to assist in decision–making.