Urban simulation and the luminous planning table - Bridging the gap between the digital and the tangible

Multi-layered manipulative platforms that integrate digital and physical representations will have a significant impact 011 urban design and planning processes in the future. The usefulness of these platforms will be in their ability to combine and update digital and tangible data in seamless ways to enhance the design process of the professional and the communication process with the public. The Luminous Planning Table is one of the first prototypes that use a tangible computerized interface. The use of this system is unique in the design and presentation process in which. at the moment, the activity of viewing physical models and the viewing of animation and computerized simulations are separate. This ability to engage and provide an integrated medium for information delivery and understanding is promising in its pedagogical, Professional, and public engagement outcomes.