Exploring urban segregation dynamics: A hub-based agent model integrating preferences, social interactions, and policy interventions

Urban segregation emerges from a complex interplay of individual preferences and social interactions within varied urban landscapes. This study presents an expanded Schelling's segregation model, introducing a more granular representation of urban environments through categorization of distinct hubs: Economic, Educational, Cultural, and Green Spaces, along with unspecified areas. Agents within the model are characterized by distinct preferences for these hubs, guiding their movement decisions and thereby influencing the spatial configuration of the city. The model reflects the richness of urban life by capturing the intricacies of preference-based residential choices. Through integration of a survey-based approach, the study sources simulated agents' decision behaviors from real-world data, ensuring a realistic portrayal of urban dynamics. Our findings demonstrate how individual desires, such as the desire for economic stability, educational opportunities, cultural experiences, and environmental quality, combine with social factors to promote urban segregation in complex ways. Additionally, the study examines the impact of various policy interventions on urban segregation and individual well-being. It discusses how different interventions can produce diverse outcomes, showing that each policy can uniquely influence segregation patterns and the happiness of residents.