Understanding the Imagined City: Exploring How Decision-Makers Can Make Sense of Citizens AI Generated Urban Imaginaries in Citizen Engagement
TL;DR
Imp implications for identifying when and how urban imaginaries can be meaningfully integrated into participatory urban planning are outlined and aim to support decision-makers in understanding citizens’ needs and translating their visions into meaningful action.
Abstract
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) enables image creation and modification through prompts. Prior research has explored the use of GenAI to support citizens in visualising their ideas for urban development, a concept introduced in this paper as urban imaginaries. Although GenAI holds the potential to foster participation and creativity, there is little research on how decision-makers can turn such urban imaginaries into actionable outcomes. To address this gap, interviews with experts (N=21) in urban design, participatory approaches, and municipal administrations were conducted. The findings reveal reflections on the use of GenAI for participatory urban planning, the limitations of relying solely on urban imaginaries, and the contextual data considered essential for decision-making. Building on these insights, this paper outlines implications for identifying when and how urban imaginaries can be meaningfully integrated into participatory urban planning. These implications aim to support decision-makers in understanding citizens’ needs and translating their visions into meaningful action.
