Aug 27th, 2009
A 3-D Simulation of Transit-Oriented Development in Mesa, Arizona
Visualizing residential density and recognizing its community costs and benefits from statistical tables and site plans can be a daunting exercise for many public officials and neighborhood groups. Utilizing the capacity and services of ASU's Decision Theatre, the Stardust Center developed a multi-layered, 3D visual simulation of a proposed higher-density, mixed-use/mixed-income development in Mesa, along the recently completed light rail line. The visual simulation will be coupled with sustainability indictors that display the impacts and costs of differing levels of residential density on environmental quality and public amenities. This simulation has already been shown to Mesa city officials, and will be available to local community organizations and officials across the metropolitan area to gauge reactions to and assessments of the various levels of residential density.