An urban simulation by multi agent system considering generation and agglomeration of vacant buildings caused by urban decline

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyze the characteristic of generation and agglomeration of vacant buildings caused by urban decline using a multi agent system for simulation of urban land use pattern. The system contains twenty by twenty cells representing land use lots where agents are located. The agents consist of four types, empty space, industry, housing and commerce. The latter three types of them have a flag showing whether they are vacant buildings or not. These agents generate and disappear according to the potential or request value as the accumulation of spatial interaction and rent. Conversion costs, increase and decrease of population, effect of agglomerated vacant buildings and high rent at central business districts are also implemented in the system. The results of the simulation show that the vacant buildings appear at surrounding area and that the effect of agglomerated vacant buildings accelerates urban decline.