Creation and Fields of Application of Digital City Models

Abstract

Digital models of buildings have been present in the design process since the 1970s, nowadays the complex design of a building is almost unimaginable without them. However, digital models can be used not only on a scale of individual buildings, but also on an urban scale – and they are desirable – to support the design process, as they will later allow, for example simulations.

This research presents the possibilities for the general usage and production of digital urban models and, through case studies, illustrates wind simulation as a possible way of applying it. Based on the research, it can be concluded that urban models can be used in a very diverse way, from planning support to testing existing conditions. For example, we can use wind simulation to model what would happen in an array when certain buildings are demolished or new buildings are built.