City logistics as a massively overlooked component in the increasingly messy urban environment. However, empirical research and planning tools are very little available to facilitate more sustainable city logistics policy making. This is increasingly problematic due to the rapid growth of ‘micro freight’ and the fragmentation of urban deliveries. Solutions for more cleaner delivery vehicles, or consolidation services are increasingly complex to design and implement. Therefore, we present MASS-GT a new agent based simulation model for urban freight planning. The MASS-GT simulation model adopts an agent-, commodity and tour based approach. The simulation model simulates all relevant segments of urban freight transport: conventional freight deliveries, micro freight and service trips. The approach is data-based, using extensive freight transport dataset for The Netherlands for the calibration and validation of the model. It was developed in a step-wise evolution following the minimum viable product principle. The research has provided an effective simulation approach with detailed logistic decision making in long term strategic decisions (supplier choice, shipment size, distribution channel), daily decisions (scheduling) and route choice. It also simulates key performance indicators such as demand statistics, transport performance, logistic efficiency and emissions. The modelling approach applies an efficient combination of conventional techniques such as simulation, discrete choice and optimization methods. The models are calibrated and validated using a variety of available data on truck trip diaries, input/output statistics, e-commerce demand survey, traffic counts and other relevant statistics. A number of case study explore a variety of relevant planning issues in urban freight transport: zero-emission zones, micro hub scenarios, logistic facility planning or crowdshipping. The city logistic use cases were developed in collaboration with local authorities. In the project HARMONY there was a strong involvement of the city of Rotterdam to support the analysis on the impacts of the introduction of a zero-emission zone for city logistics. In the project LEAD, the city of The Hague and local start-ups (bicycle carrier and a pick-up point provider) collaborated in a living lab of crowdshipping solutions. In our contribution we will present the simulation use cases and stimulate the discussion on this emerging field. These examples will show how simulation can support the design of a sustainable and viable network of urban consolidation centers. We want to discuss how the application of simulation models should be standard practice for city logistic planning.

Contemporary urban planning has shifted towards profit-generation objectives, neglecting the fundamental needs of local communities. This transition has led to social exclusion and distrust among urban populations. This paradigm calls for a reevaluation of urban planning methodologies and a reprioritization of community engagement. This research explores the incorporation of digital methodologies to bridge the gap between top-down smart city initiatives and bottom-up community-driven urbanism. Focusing on Kottbusser Tor, Berlin, as a case study, the examination seeks to develop a practical framework for the integration of digital tools into bottom-up, community-generated action in dense urban spaces, particularly oriented towards minority and marginalised communities - those that are the most affected by the commodification of urban environments. Prioritising digital grassroots initiatives, synthesizing existing literature on digital urbanism, examining the shortcomings of smart city models, and the potential of participatory processes, the study proposes a comprehensive framework for self-organized urban planning. Consequently, this raises the question of how can participatory digital tools be harnessed to enable self-organisation in urban planning, while ensuring inclusivity, ethical implementation of data analysis and empowerment of local communities. The study employs a multi-dimensional methodology, incorporating theoretical review, GIS and open spatial data integration, and social analysis. Utilizing spatial GIS data and open-source mapping platforms, the research evaluates the urban dynamics of Kottbusser Tor. Additionally, the study employs functional clustering techniques and surveillance analyses to understand the area's societal dynamics and activation and thus identify suitable intervention locations. The research then formulates a comprehensive participatory digital urbanism framework, through outlining methods to establish an online social hub and a neighbourhood strategy blueprint. It also exemplifies spatial implementations of an interconnected network of temporary activities across the case study area. The study addresses a critical gap in urban planning, by shifting the focus from architects and urban administrators and alternatively, providing a practical framework for community engagement and independent action upon the development of urban environments. It emphasises the potential of urban data harnessing for community empowerment and ethical technological and spatial development in urban planning, providing tools for local communities to self-organise, improve their immediate living conditions and act upon their right to affordable housing. During my research, I have built upon the previous societal work conducted in the area (Kotti­Coop e.V. (2018). Re-Kommunalisierung Plus | Modellprojekt am Kottbusser Tor. Berlin, Germany: Kotti­Coop e.V.). I have constructed synthetic populations and models mimicking decision-making patterns derived from the societal context and way-finding in the study area.

With increased urbanization and the impacts of climate change, cities around the world are making resilience-building a priority. Simultaneously, advances in technology have enabled the creation of City Digital Twins (CDTs). Informed by a literature review and interviews with resilience and Digital Twin experts, this research explores how CDTs might support the development of more resilient urban communities. First, this presentation will explore the wide ranging definitions of urban resilience, smart cities and CDTs, and how the conceptualization of such topics varies between academia and practice. Second, the presentation will outline findings on how characteristics of CDTs make them uniquely equipped to facilitate (1) a better understanding of complex phenomena, (2) the imagination of possible futures and (3) collaboration between stakeholders. Finally, the technical requirements and challenges of CDT implementation will be discussed, including (1) identifying priority hazards and users, (2) collecting and managing data, (3) integrating different models and (4) ensuring usability. The research emphasizes the important role of stakeholders in shaping CDTs that can be successfully integrated by the communities they serve. In preparing the presentation for "Blueprints for messy cities?," the results and discussion from the paper will be explored from a critical lens, focusing on the importance of developing technology that reflects its inhabitants. The goal of this session is to discuss the challenges of digitalisation in the context of messy, living, changing cities. How might CDTs contribute to enhanced environmental resilience without sacrificing crucial social resilience through digital dependence? In what ways could CDTs foster meaningful participatory planning? What opportunities and challenges arise in urban design and planning practice? These questions will be explored through existing examples from practice and academia, and via imaginative scenarios, with a view to to inspire meaningful and critical engagement with this emerging urban planning tool.

This abstract summarizes a comprehensive methodology for the implementation of digital twins within municipal governments, focusing on enhancing decision-making processes in spatial planning. Recognizing digital twins as innovative solutions, their implementation demands disruptive organizational changes and iterative prototyping and testing. The methodology addresses various stakeholder groups, including elected officials, mid-level managers, civil servants, residents, business managers, and software developers, each deriving distinct benefits from the implementation. The methodology begins with understanding the context of digital twin implementation, emphasizing the significant influence of project financing. Different financing contexts, such as research grants, government grants, municipal budgets, directives from mayors or city councils, and partner-motivated projects, dictate the planning and design extent within municipalities. The proposed methodology comprises nine steps across four major phases: Planning, Preparing, Implementing, and Operating. In the Planning phase, steps include developing a comprehensive plan, forming a multidisciplinary team, assessing existing urban systems, and brainstorming digital twin solutions. The Preparing phase focuses on data and capacity assessment, and data collection. The Implementing phase involves developing a pilot digital twin and then scaling it to a full project. Finally, the Operating phase covers the ongoing management and maintenance of the digital twin. The methodology underscores the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach, integrating diverse expertise and perspectives for innovative solutions. It emphasizes the importance of data quality and organizational capacity in implementing digital twins. The iterative nature of this approach, including regular feedback and adjustments, is crucial for successful implementation. In conclusion, this methodology offers a structured framework for integrating digital twins into municipal operations, promoting data-driven urban planning, and enhancing city residents' quality of life. It provides a roadmap for municipalities to navigate the complexities of digital twin implementation, addressing organizational, technological, and stakeholder-related challenges.