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Generative AI Tools and Workflows for Urban Planning

This course introduces planners to the fundamentals of Generative AI (GenAI) and its practical uses in creating text, images, videos, and designs. It highlights how these tools can enhance and streamline urban planning practice.

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Course Info

  • Duration 5 video lessons (59 Mins)
  • Published Published
    2025
  • Trending Trending
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Browse Course Chapters

  • Chapter Locked
    1.
    Introduction
    Chapter Duration 2 mins
  • Chapter Locked
    2.
    Generative AI Planning Workflows
    Chapter Duration 14 mins
  • Chapter Locked
    3.
    Prompt Engineering
    Chapter Duration 16 mins
  • Chapter Locked
    4.
    AI Integrated Planning Workflows
    Chapter Duration 18 mins
  • Chapter Locked
    5.
    Key Takeaways
    Chapter Duration 6 mins

What You Will Learn

 - Explain the core generative AI models—including Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), and Large Language Models (LLMs)—and how they function at a conceptual level. 

- Identify practical applications of each model type within urban planning contexts, such as generating street redesign visuals, simulating spatial alternatives, and summarizing public input. 

- Demonstrate the use of generative AI tools through hands-on examples, including prompt-based visual design and text summarization, to build familiarity and confidence. 

- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of generative AI tools when applied to planning tasks, including accuracy, bias, and the importance of human oversight. 

- Apply basic strategies for using generative AI tools responsibly, with an emphasis on clear prompts, verification of results, and ethical considerations in public-facing outputs.

Course Description

This course explains the foundational technologies behind generative AI, including GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks), VAEs (Variational Autoencoders), and LLMs (Large Language Models). The tutorial goes beyond the theoretical by applying each model to realistic urban planning tasks — such as redesigning streetscapes, summarizing public comments, and generating development scenarios. Through live demos using free or commonly available AI tools, planners will learn the mechanics behind GenAI and build the confidence to explore these tools in their own work.

Learn these skills

  • 3D Modeling
  • AI
  • Communications & Media
  • Data Visualization
  • Modeling & Simulation
  • 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

4.53
Sean Hoelscher 1

Sean Hoelscher 1

Extremely Satisfied
Phillip Westbrook

Phillip Westbrook

Extremely Satisfied
Very good course. Good to see existing use of AI is similar to best practices.
Michael Devigne

Michael Devigne

Satisfied
ryersonc

ryersonc

Extremely Satisfied

Course Reviews

58%
36%
5%
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Sean Hoelscher 1

Sean Hoelscher 1

Extremely Satisfied
Phillip Westbrook

Phillip Westbrook

Extremely Satisfied
Very good course. Good to see existing use of AI is similar to best practices.
Michael Devigne

Michael Devigne

Satisfied
ryersonc

ryersonc

Extremely Satisfied
Michelle Robbins 2

Michelle Robbins 2

Satisfied
Brandon Schaad 1

Brandon Schaad 1

Satisfied
Emily Pierson-Brown

Emily Pierson-Brown

Satisfied
ROBERT SILLS

ROBERT SILLS

Extremely Satisfied

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