Description

This 1-day seminar introduces students to the potential of AI in urban planning. Participants will learn about current and potential uses of AI and discuss the ethical and broader implications of these automated systems on urban environments. Students and participants will also have the opportunity to practice effective AI prompts to obtain meaningful insights, predictions, and designs for city and regional planning projects.

This seminar is eligible for 5.25 Certificate Maintenance (CM) credits with the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Outline

9:00 - 9:15: Welcome and Introduction

• Brief welcome speech
• Overview of the seminar's objectives and schedule

9:15 - 9:45: Opening Presentation

• Introduction to AI in City and Regional Planning
• Current trends and future potentials

9:45 - 10:45: Case Study Analysis

• Small group discussion of case studies of cities using AI in its urban planning. 

10:45 - 11:00: Coffee Break

11:00 - 11:45: Case Study Presentations

• Groups present their findings from the case studies
• Open floor for questions and group discussions

11:45 - 12:30: Ethical Debate

• Introduction to the ethical considerations in AI
• Have groups discuss ethical issues

12:30 - 1:30: Lunch Break

1:30 - 2:45: AI-Prompt Workshop

• Introduction to effective AI prompt engineering
• Hands-on practice session for creating and testing prompts
• Group discussion on the outputs and the importance of precise communication with AI

2:45 - 3:00: Break and Transition

• Short break before broad discussion

3:00 - 4:30: Panel discussion

• A panel discussion with practicing planners and practitioners to discuss their use or experience with AI
• Sharing insights, concerns, and futuristic thoughts on AI in urban planning and policy-making

4:30: Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks

Objectives

• Understand real-world applications and outcomes of AI in urban planning.
• Gain hands-on experience with AI tools that predict the impact of urban planning decisions.
• Understand the importance of precise communication with AI and its practical use in obtaining relevant information and designs
• Hear about AI use from practicing planners and practitioners.

Key Benefits

City planners who participate in the "AI for City and Regional Planning" seminar can expect to gain several significant benefits. Three key benefits include:

Enhanced Understanding of AI Applications in Urban Planning:

• Participants will gain a comprehensive overview of how AI can be utilized in various aspects of city and regional planning. This includes exposure to real-world case studies where AI has been implemented successfully to optimize urban development, transportation, infrastructure management, and more. Understanding these applications can help planners integrate AI into their own projects, making processes more efficient and informed.

Skills in Ethical Decision-Making and Critical Analysis:

• The seminar's focus on ethical debates and discussions around AI in urban environments will equip planners with the necessary framework to consider and address ethical implications of using AI. They'll learn about potential issues like data privacy, surveillance, and algorithmic bias, and how to navigate these in a planning context. This is crucial for responsible and community-centered urban development, ensuring that the integration of AI enhances societal benefits without compromising ethical standards.

Practical Experience in AI Tools and Techniques:

• Through hands-on workshops and prompt engineering activities, planners will gain practical skills in interacting with AI technologies. They'll learn how to effectively communicate with AI systems to extract useful data, generate insightful predictions, and create innovative urban designs. These skills are increasingly valuable in the modern planning landscape, where the ability to quickly analyze large datasets and generate models can significantly improve the quality and speed of decision-making and project development.

By the end of the seminar, participants will not only understand the potential of AI in their field but also be better equipped to critically analyze its implications and practically apply AI tools in their work, leading to more informed, efficient, and ethical urban planning.