subjectcity

subjectcity is a fictional city frequently used in urban planning and simulation literature to explore policy outcomes without real-world risk. It functions as a baseline model for transportation, housing, taxation, and governance scenarios, and is commonly implemented with agent-based or systems-dynamics approaches. The designation is not tied to any real location.

Imagined on a temperate coastline with a central river, subjectcity is structured around a dense urban core and five surrounding districts. The city covers roughly 420 square kilometers and includes mixed residential, commercial, and light industrial zones. Population estimates for the city proper are around one to one and a half million.

The concept originated in urban planning and operations research in the late 20th century as a controlled environment for testing policy ideas. It is typically governed by a mayor-council system in simulation, with district representation and budgetary rules that can be varied to study equity, efficiency, and resilience.

The simulated economy is diversified, including services, logistics, manufacturing, and technology sectors. The infrastructure model often features a multimodal transportation network, a harbor or port, and resilient utilities. Planning scenarios commonly examine zoning reforms, transit-oriented development, and public investment strategies.

In many depictions, subjectcity hosts universities, research institutes, and cultural venues that support innovation and public engagement. The fictional framework allows researchers to anonymize data and compare outcomes across policy choices. Related topics include urban planning and agent-based modeling.