Modelli generativi a supporto dei processi di trasformazione territoriale

The ongoing research described in this paper is investigating a modelling system to combine visual tools with GIS technologies, in order to create a shared common language which could be able to really support wide area planning processes. The here proposed modeling system wants to improve the cognitive process through an interactive framework, which combines different data in a complex structure of relations and connections. Each data has assigned a spatial behaviour, which can be described by mathematical formulas of different nature. Furthermore, each element of drawing can be connected to others and produce an attractive or repulsive influence on them. In order to provide awareness on the spatial effect of planning choices, all functions among data within the model can be modified and set by users as decision makers, professionals and experts. Users can decide the influence among infrastructures, services and functions on different scales, as well as the suitability of a specific feature or the weights ofeach connections among data. Since this tool is based on parametric and generative features, the spatial behaviour of data is represented by volumes and shapes that changes their form in a three-dimensional environment. This tool can produce 3D shapes directly from databases maintaining all their properties. Users can modify the values of specific issues and see in real time the effects on urban shapes. The system can provide different kinds of output as 3D models, 3D diagrams or dynamic maps, but it can also be used to represent a large amount of thematic views, both spatial and non-spatial as suitability, density or real estate values through different visualization techniques. This method has been used to study an urban area. The research concerns the planning of brownfields localized on the metropolitan border of Turin (Italy). It involves the study of many aspects as well as transport system infrastructures and land use.