Simulations have played a relatively marginal role so far in design processes. In shifting towards an understanding of design as an activity informed by complex real-life processes within dynamic environments there is a growing need to revise this. The symposium is organised by OCEAN NORTH and co-hosted by the AA and the Oslo School of Architecture.Introduced by Birger Sevaldson and Michael Hensel. David Lane on system dynamics, mapping and modelling to generate understanding and policy insight.