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Slime Mold Cities

Author

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  • David Barker

    (Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1994, USA)

Abstract

Inspired by the behavior of slime mold cells, Paul Krugman developed a simple one-dimensional model in which moving firms self-organize into cities. In this paper I show that extending the model into two dimensions significantly improves its realism. Cities in the two-dimensional model are similar in several respects to real cities: they grow and decline, they cluster near rivers and coasts, and, given certain parameters, their distribution follows Zipf's law. A calibration exercise, however, suggests that observed levels of agglomeration must be due to factors beyond those included in the model.

Suggested Citation

  • David Barker, 2012. "Slime Mold Cities," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 39(2), pages 262-286, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirb:v:39:y:2012:i:2:p:262-286
    DOI: 10.1068/b37078
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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