Describes a simulation game which introduces concepts and problems associated with community planning. Initial activities include a role-playing exercise focusing on decisions related to a vacant lot; implications for various decisions are noted. Also gives suggested questions to address when planning a town. (DH)

Describes an interdisciplinary program which uses simulation to investigate social, cultural, economic, and political dimensions of environmental change. Summarizes the underlying process, outlines topics and activities for each of the four phases of the program, and presents one sample activity for each unit. (DC)

PLANNED AGE (Planned Alternatives for Gerontological Environments) is a consumer/advocate-oriented design simulation package that provides: (a) a medium for user-planner interaction in the design of living and service environments for the aged; (b) an educational, planning, design, and evaluation tool that can be used by the elderly, their…

Gaming-simulation in professional practice, education, and research is discussed. Simulation assists in exploring and resolving incongruent values and interests of clients, users, and architects; conveys complex interactive systems students are trying to understand; and elicits responses to alternative actions and contributes to theory development…

Discusses the development and implementation of a simulation game for a sixth-grade class that used the structure of Thornton Wilder's play, "Our Town," to examine the geographical issues involved in community planning. The land development issue discussed was based on a real-life local concern. (MJP)