GenAI Street Experiments: A Critical Framework for Urban Design Teaching and Learning

Abstract

The recent rise of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools promises to disrupt how cities are planned and designed. Some of these tools aim to empower diverse stakeholders to “reinvent their streets” by visualising how adopting a cycling lifestyle or adding outdoor seating could transform an urban environment. Implemented as part of educational exercises, text-to-image generative AI offers opportunities to help future planners envision different urban scenarios in a studio learning environment. However, biases, injustice and glitches remain a pressing concern, underscoring the need for future planners to critically engage with these technologies. In this paper, we draw on our experience designing and teaching a course focused on fostering critical skills for engaging with GenAI in urban design studio learning. Using a novel framework, we discuss how these tools can be integrated into planning education.