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To request permissions please use the Feedback form on our webpage. http://researchspace.auckland.ac.nz/feedback General copyright and disclaimer In addition to the above conditions, authors give their consent for the digital copy of their work to be used subject to the conditions specified on the Library Thesis Consent Form and Deposit Licence. Using a Hybrid Model for Investigating Residential Segregation: An Empirical and Simulation-based Study Babak Mahdavi Ardestani A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy The University of Auckland 2013 Abstract The impact of residential segregation on the dynamics of spatial, social and economic spheres of society is a topic of great interest in geography, sociology and economics. Residential segregation and its spatial separation effects have been acknowledged as having significant impacts on education, healthcare, business as well as social network and social/ urban structures. The complexity and multidimensional nature of the residential segregation phenomenon and the centrality of the individual based decision making process made this topic an ideal case for investigation using a micro/ individual based simulation modelling approach. An example of such an approach is agent‐based modelling (ABM) as theorised by Thomas Schelling. However, most Schelling‐type models are often too simple and small. This lack of sophistication and ‘small‐village’ syndrome remain though among the major weak points of existing models generally. More importantly, the lack of empirical support for informing and verification has long impeded the widespread acceptance of most simulation modelling approaches of this kind. Various individual based simulation modelling approaches to investigate residential segregation are reviewed. In particular, two simulation modelling approaches – agent‐based modelling (ABM) and microsimulation (MSM) – are compared with the aim of embracing a combined design approach that will also include key features of geosimulation models. For this reason a series of model prototypes are built initially to examine different aspects of a combined design approach, and with consideration of available census data (in aggregate format), the HAAMoS model is ultimately presented. It can simulate the entire population of the Auckland metropolitan area whilst dealing with up to four major ethnic groups each of which exhibit heterogeneous behaviours and have multi‐level preferences. It can also measure various dimensions of segregation, including local and spatially sensitive ones at different geographical scales. The implementation of these features is described. A descriptive statistical analysis of the modified data describes past and present patterns of residential location by ethnicity in the Auckland region area, which in turn ii are used as ‘benchmarks’ against the model’s outputs. Using specific scenarios, it is demonstrated that this relatively simple Schelling‐type model – informed by empirical data – has the potential to replicate plausible residential distribution patterns, even though the detailed representation of decision making behaviours are not available/ used. This demonstration confirms that the development of a potential ‘test‐bed’ consisting of an agent‐based model using census data for future modelling‐based research which can address residential and socio‐spatial segregation questions and similar theoretical issues in urban geography, sociology or economics would be feasible. The methodological approaches built and used in this research are among its important achievements. Further possible extensions of this research under different topics are also discussed. iii World is a lunatic sphere, Donʹt always agree itʹs real, Even with my feet upon it, […], My address is somewhere else. – (Hafez, Persian poet) In memory of Suri Anisi For Penney & Aryana with love iv Acknowledgments As with any project with this magnitude, debts of gratitude are accumulated along the way. Many people deserve a vote of thanks for their inspiration, support and encouragement over the duration of this project. Special mention must go to my supervisors, Professors David O’Sullivan and Peter Davis, for their invaluable advice, insights, guidance, support, endurance and patience. Each of them contributed a unique perspective that shaped the direction of this research work, whilst also proving willing to give me a free hand to build a unique modelling framework and to bring the thesis to a successful conclusion. Numerous collaborators, colleagues and friends have also given me much needed support at each stage of the process of pursuing this degree. I am therefore indebted to each of them. Alan Kwok Lun Cheung was instrumental in helping me with GIS related issues and questions. Roy Lay‐Yee and Lyndon Walker were also helpful in many different ways throughout this research study. Mark Whelden and Martin von Randow helped me with the SNZ datalab issues and related SAS inquiries. Many people provided me with instructive feedbacks, encouragement or simulating thoughts and discussions during or after seminars and meetings. Thanks are due to Alastair Scott, Alan Lee, Gordon Winder, Ward Friesen, and George Perry. I would also like to thank previous and current COMPASS Research Centre associates, collaborators, and colleagues. These include Daniel Patrick, Katharina Bauer, Gerry Cotterell, Mervyl McPherson, Janet Pearson, and Rocio Gomez. Special thanks goes to my postgraduate and undergraduate teachers, advisors and mentors, Professors Monty Newborn, Nelly Khouzam, and Dimitri Vouliouris who always believed in me and did not hesitate to support me. The self‐imposed desire to live up to the trust, hopes, and expectations of others is indeed a powerful incentive. I also extend a special word of thanks to Steve MacDonell and Andy Connor for their insights and generosity. v I must also acknowledge the Royal Society of New Zealand’s Marsden Fund for their research funding of this project. Finally, I would like to dedicate this thesis to the soul of my mother and to my wonderful wife Penney and my sweet and brilliant daughter Aryana, for their support, love, sacrifice, and encouragement which has enabled me to achieve this academic accomplishment. vi Contents List of Figures ........................................................................................................................... xi List of Tables .......................................................................................................................... xiii 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Overview ........................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Research Components and Their Relationships ..................................................... 4 1.2 Motivations ....................................................................................................................... 5 1.3 Research Hypotheses ...................................................................................................... 6 1.4 Research Aims and Objectives ....................................................................................... 7 1.5 Research Approach .......................................................................................................... 8 1.6 Specific Research Questions ......................................................................................... 10 1.7 Organisation of the Thesis ............................................................................................ 11 2. Background .......................................................................................................................... 13 2.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 13 2.2 Residential Segregation ................................................................................................. 13 2.2.1 The Importance of Residential Segregation ........................................................ 15 2.2.2 Complexity and Determinants of Residential Segregation .............................. 16 2.2.3 Emergence and Self‐organisation of Residential Segregation .......................... 17 2.2.4 Explanatory Factors ................................................................................................ 19 2.2.5 Operationalizing Neighbourhood Characteristics ............................................. 21 2.2.6 Thesis Focus on Selective Factors ......................................................................... 21 2.3 Modelling Residential