man sitting in front of two computer monitors with the keft side showing a floor plan and the right side showing an image of a blue light up brain with AI on it

What Is Generative AI and Why It Matters for Urban Planning

This course introduces urban planners to Generative AI (GenAI), covering its fundamentals and demonstrating how it can create text, images, videos, and designs to enhance planning practices.

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Course Info

  • Duration 8 video lessons (61 Mins)
  • Published Published
    2025
  • Trending Trending
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Browse Course Chapters

  • Chapter Locked
    1.
    Introduction
    Chapter Duration 2 mins
  • Chapter Locked
    2.
    Core Concepts Part I
    Chapter Duration 17 mins
  • Chapter Locked
    3.
    Core Concepts Part II
    Chapter Duration 8 mins
  • Chapter Locked
    4.
    Practical Applications of Gen AI Part I
    Chapter Duration 7 mins
  • Chapter Locked
    5.
    Practical Applications of Gen AI Part II
    Chapter Duration 9 mins
  • Chapter Locked
    6.
    Why Generative AI Matters
    Chapter Duration 11 mins
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    7.
    Resources
    Chapter Duration 1 min
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    8.
    Key Takeaways & Getting Started
    Chapter Duration 3 mins

What You Will Learn

-Understand the foundational concepts and model types behind generative AI, including Large Language Models (LLMs), Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), and Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), in the context of urban planning. 

-Differentiate between traditional AI and generative AI, with an emphasis on how generative models produce novel content such as text, images, and simulations for planning-related tasks. 

-Identify practical use cases for generative AI in urban planning, such as zoning scenario generation, urban growth simulation, and public engagement enhancements. 

-Assess the benefits and risks of applying generative AI in planning workflows, including issues related to efficiency, creativity, bias, transparency, and ethical responsibility. 

-Explore tools and resources that enable planners to begin experimenting with generative AI, including text and image generation platforms, online tutorials, and academic references.

Course Description

The objective of this tutorial is to provide urban planners with a foundational understanding of Generative AI (GenAI), demonstrating how these innovative tools can enhance urban planning practices. This includes creating text, images, videos, and complex designs. It will cover the basics of how GenAI works, provide real-world examples of its application in urban planning, and discuss the potential benefits and challenges of integrating these technologies into planning.

Learn these skills

  • AI
  • Technology
  • Video & Multimedia

AICP CM

This course is approved for 1 AICP CM credit.

AIA CES

This course is 1 LU.

CIP

This course is eligible for self-reported CIP unstructured CPL units.

Meet Your Instructor

Tom Sanchez

Tom Sanchez

Tom Sanchez is a professor of Urban Planning specializing in Artificial Intelligence, Technology, and Landscape Architecture.

Meet Instructor

Course Reviews

4.38
Molly Wright 1

Molly Wright 1

Extremely Satisfied
JonathanPBell

JonathanPBell

Satisfied
I appreciated the detailed overview of AI in urban planning. I learned a lot about AI beyond current news headlines. I disagree with the framing that traditional community engagement is limited and has shortcomings and the juxtaposition of AI engagement only with benefits. AI engagement lacks human interaction, cultural recognition, interpersonal touch. That and other critiques were missing in the community engagement segment.
Sean Hoelscher 1

Sean Hoelscher 1

Extremely Satisfied
Walter Eis

Walter Eis

Satisfied

Course Reviews

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Keerthilatha Gaddam

Keerthilatha Gaddam

Extremely Satisfied
Ene Jr. Usanga

Ene Jr. Usanga

Satisfied
Michelle Robbins 2

Michelle Robbins 2

Extremely Satisfied
Glenvel Goins

Glenvel Goins

Extremely Satisfied
Michael Kelly 1

Michael Kelly 1

Satisfied
Richard Roisman

Richard Roisman

Satisfied
Ron Hancock

Ron Hancock

Satisfied
ROBERT SILLS

ROBERT SILLS

Extremely Satisfied

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