Report on Virtual Urban Planning and Sustainable Development Goals: The Case of John Hodgman’s SimCity Livestream

Introduction

John Hodgman, a Park Slope resident and comedian, engages in a monthly livestream where he builds virtual cities using the 2013 version of the video game SimCity. His activity, titled The Joy of Zoning, serves as both entertainment and an educational platform focused on urban planning principles. This report emphasizes the alignment of Hodgman’s virtual urban planning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the relevance of digital simulations in understanding and promoting sustainable cities and communities.

Virtual Urban Planning as a Tool for Sustainable Development

Hodgman’s gameplay involves constructing and managing various urban infrastructures such as roads, hospitals, schools, sewage-treatment plants, and housing. His approach reflects several SDGs, particularly:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – by prioritizing hospitals and healthcare facilities in medium-wealth zones.
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – through the management of sewage systems and water infrastructure.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by zoning residential, commercial, and industrial areas to create functional urban environments.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – by building and optimizing transportation and industrial zones.

Educational and Social Aspects of the Livestream

The Joy of Zoning livestream is designed to be a gentle and informative experience, inspired by Bob Ross’s painting show. Hodgman uses a calm tone to explain urban planning concepts, such as the placement of sewage-treatment plants, which educates viewers on essential infrastructure planning. This aligns with:

• SDG 4: Quality Education – by providing accessible learning about urban planning and infrastructure.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – through interactive engagement with viewers and collaboration with game developers.

Challenges and Realism in Virtual Urban Development

Hodgman acknowledges the complexities and social realities embedded in SimCity, such as resource extraction, wealth disparity, and policing. The game’s mechanics simulate issues like affordable housing and social services distribution, reflecting:

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – by demonstrating the need for low-, medium-, and high-wealth residential zones to maintain urban functionality.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – through the management of police funding and public safety services.

This simulation provides insights into urban inequalities and resource management, fostering awareness of sustainable urban development challenges.

Personal Growth and Mental Health through Virtual Planning

Hodgman describes his engagement with SimCity as an exercise in distress tolerance, comparing it to the therapeutic approach of Bob Ross. This personal perspective highlights the role of digital activities in mental well-being, linking to:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – by promoting mental health through mindful engagement with urban planning simulations.

Livestreaming and Community Building

Initially skeptical about livestreaming, Hodgman embraced it as a means to connect with others, likening it to podcasts that provide companionship. His streams support podcast funding and foster a community interested in urban planning and sustainable development, contributing to:

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by raising awareness and interest in urban planning.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – through community engagement and collaborative learning.

Conclusion

John Hodgman’s The Joy of Zoning livestream exemplifies how virtual urban planning can serve as an educational and therapeutic tool aligned with multiple Sustainable Development Goals. By simulating real-world urban challenges and infrastructure management, the activity promotes understanding of sustainable cities and communities, equitable resource distribution, and mental well-being. This innovative approach demonstrates the potential of digital platforms to contribute to global sustainability efforts.

Additional Information

1. Livestream Schedule: Thursdays, 9 a.m. to noon ET
2. Platforms: YouTube, Twitch, X, Instagram, Facebook
3. Podcast Supported: Judge John Hodgman

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses urban planning and city building through the video game SimCity, focusing on infrastructure such as roads, sewage-treatment plants, housing, and public services.
   • Issues of zoning, affordable housing, and public amenities are central themes.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • References to hospitals, fire departments, and police stations indicate concern for health and safety services in urban environments.
3. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article mentions managing energy and specialized industries, implying energy infrastructure considerations.
4. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Discussion of sewage-treatment plants and sewage lines relates to sanitation infrastructure.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Mentions of trash management and recycling indicate waste management and sustainable consumption.
6. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Discussion of wealth disparity in the game, with low-, medium-, and high-wealth zones, reflects social inequality issues.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems.
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including waste management.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.
   • Target 3.d: Strengthen capacity for early warning, risk reduction and management of health risks.
3. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.1: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.
4. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.2: Achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.
6. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing (implied by discussion of affordable housing and zoning).
   • Access to public transport and infrastructure quality (implied by roads, public transportation, and infrastructure tabs being “green”).
   • Waste collection and recycling rates (implied by trash and recycling management in the game).
2. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Coverage of essential health services (implied by hospital availability and health infrastructure).
   • Number of fire stations and police stations per population (implied by discussion of safety services).
3. SDG 7 Indicators
   • Access to electricity and energy infrastructure status (implied by energy tab and specialized industry management).
4. SDG 6 Indicators
   • Proportion of population using safely managed sanitation services (implied by sewage-treatment plants and sewage lines).
5. SDG 12 Indicators
   • Waste generation per capita and recycling rates (implied by trash management and recycling capability).
6. SDG 10 Indicators
   • Income or wealth distribution metrics (implied by low-, medium-, and high-wealth residential zones and their services).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: curbed.com