Modelling of SeaCities: Why, What and How to Model

In order to realise SeaCities as depicted in this book, several individual projects, at a building (e.g. floating houses) and community (e.g. energy–water–food supply, transportation) levels, need to be designed to solve the inherent issues of such relatively unexplored urban concept. In this chapter, the focus is on the importance of modelling in providing a critical set of support tools to better inform SeaCities design and decision-making. The chapter is intended for the reader interested in SeaCities and relatively unfamiliar with the modelling world. The chapter is structured as follows: First, a brief justification of the need for modelling in SeaCities is provided (“WHY modelling”); this is followed by examples of systems, elements or parameters that will require modelling (“WHAT modelling”). Next, different modelling categories are introduced, based on different criteria, such as the type of inputs available or the type of output desired (“HOW modelling”). The chapter concludes with two case studies, selected as examples of an integrated, participatory systems approach which is suggested as being highly applicable to many of the future SeaCities modelling needs.