A physical territory is a system that naturally integrates a variety of processes usually analyzed by a diversity of disciplines (economics, sociology, and so on). These processes activate natural and social resources and include individual and collective strategies, whose dynamics are coupled in building the territory. Planned and unplanned actions as well as reiterated practices and strategic anticipations are taken by households, firms or government bodies. Physical infrastructures as well as immaterial long lasting socio-spatial configurations constrain these actions and also shape the territory at several scales in space and time. For mastering that complexity, simulation models are needed: for understanding the relationship between processes and structures; for evaluating and preparing individual and collective action; for measuring their impact on the viability of spatial structures. Such models are important issues for helping decision-making and may then contribute to change the evolution of territories.
Program in construction…
