Even though it's simplified, Inside the Rent provides a window into the logic of developers trying to get apartments built in New York City. The game's creators emphasize its educational value.
New York's Citizens Housing and Planning Council (CHPC) has released a virtual simulation that lets players take the reins on a hypothetical housing development project. Constructed with data from real-world developers and architects, Inside the Rent has players set a palate of prices and then try to break even.
According to its creators, the simulation is intended to be an educational platform, especially for politicians. A representative from CHPC emphasized that "Not enough people know exactly how construction costs and rent relate to each other—and this includes those who are making crucial decisions on housing policy."
However, the relatively simple game doesn't quite mirror reality. "Sarah Watson and Daniel Parcerisas, both from the Citizens Housing & Planning Council, acknowledged that the game is oversimplified [...] For instance, the tax abatement option in the game doesn't correspond to the controversial 421-a program completely." In addition, "Parcerisas mentions that zoning is not a part of the game at all, and he hopes to incorporate it in future versions."
FULL STORY: Develop a Virtual Rental Building—and Just Try To Break Even
The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall
The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.
The Paradox of American Housing
How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.
Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities
The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.
Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan
Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.
How to Protect Pedestrians With Disabilities
Public agencies don’t track traffic deaths and injuries involving disabled people, leaving a gap in data to guide safety interventions.
Colorado Town Fills Workforce Housing Need With ‘Dorm-Style’ Housing
Median rent in Steamboat Springs is $4,000 per month.
City of Yakima
City of Auburn
Baylands Development Inc.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Birmingham, Alabama
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.