A Spatio-Temporal Decision Support System for Designing With Street Trees

This article describes how tree species and spacing is an integral part of street design. 3D modelled trees have traditionally been computationally prohibitive to use within precinct scaled urban design models, thus, tree choices in street design are typically limited to database or 2D representations limiting engagement with spatio-temporal issues. This article provides an overview of urban design tree modelling and technology emerging outside of the discipline, then proposes an urban tree decision support system (DSS) drawing from advances in computational botany, entertainment industries and light engineering. The DSS is tested at both street and precinct scale using two case studies. The results demonstrate it is now feasible to integrate detailed 3D trees into urban design models allowing rapid scenario testing of tree placement, species selection, size, alongside the visual and solar impact of these choices. The proposed DSS promotes consideration of spatio-temporal characteristics of trees and a greater level integration of tree choices in the urban design process than previously possible.