Editor’s note This article was originally published in December 2023, at a time when artificial intelligence was rapidly emerging in everyday planning practice. While AI tools and applications have evolved quickly since then, the core ideas explored here—around data, critical thinking and using technology to work smarter—remain highly relevant to contemporary urban planning in Western Australia. It has been lightly updated to reflect current language and context, while retaining the original perspective on how artificial intelligence can support urban planning practice.
When you hear the term artificial intelligence, your perception has probably shifted over time—from robots and synthetic humans in films like Star Wars, The Terminator and Blade Runner, to something far less visible but far more embedded in everyday life.
Today, AI is less about science fiction and more about software—quietly influencing how we analyse data, communicate, search for information and make decisions.
In this TBB Insights article, Michael explores how artificial intelligence can support urban planning practice, and where it genuinely adds value—helping planners work smarter, not harder.
AI is no longer theoretical
By the early 2020s, artificial intelligence had moved firmly into the mainstream. Governments and technology companies were investing heavily in cloud computing, data infrastructure and AI capability, including major investment in Australia’s digital ecosystem.
At the same time, cities around the world were increasingly adopting “smart city” initiatives—using technology to better understand movement patterns, infrastructure performance and how people use places.
Closer to home, we began seeing more planning projects respond directly to the technology and knowledge economy, including work at Curtin University, the Bentley Technology Precinct and the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct.
In planning terms, the premise is straightforward: using data, science and technology to improve how we plan cities and towns—supporting better decision-making around amenity, sustainability and long-term resilience.
Using AI in planning practice
Several years ago, I attended a workshop where a presenter explained how mobile phones generate detailed movement data—using accelerometers, GPS and other sensors to understand where people go, how fast they move and even how they travel.
What struck me most was that even when location services are switched off, data can still be collected in aggregated form. Combined with other datasets, this information can be used to analyse patterns such as spending behaviour across towns and cities.
At the time, it was surprising to realise how accessible this data already was—and raised an obvious question: how should it be used?
The media has since highlighted legitimate concerns around data use, misinformation and the risks of uncritical reliance on AI-generated content. Like any tool, AI is only as good as the data it relies on and the judgement applied to its outputs.
This is where urban planners have an important role to play.
Why planners are well placed to work with AI
Critical thinking, analysis and quality assurance sit at the core of planning practice. These skills translate directly to working with AI—particularly when using technology to process large datasets, identify patterns or support scenario testing.
Used well, AI has the potential to strengthen the credibility and robustness of planning advice by supporting data-informed decision-making, while still relying on professional judgement to interpret outcomes.
There is also clear value in practical, everyday applications, such as:
using AI tools to assist with drafting and refining written communication, freeing up time for higher-value work like engagement, design and strategic thinking
generating visual material to help explain complex ideas in workshops and community settings
supporting literature reviews and information management, making it easier to synthesise large volumes of material
In all cases, the planner’s role remains central—reviewing, testing and applying insight thoughtfully.
Data, insight and the risk of overload
Collecting and processing data is becoming increasingly important in urban planning. Without the ability to analyse and interpret information effectively, there is a real risk of data overload—where key insights are missed or lost.
AI can help manage this challenge by accelerating analysis and highlighting patterns that may not be immediately obvious. But it does not replace the need for strong foundational skills in data interpretation, policy understanding and contextual judgement.
Technology should support planning practice, not drive it.
Working smarter, not harder
At its best, AI can help make planning workplaces more efficient and productive—allowing planners to focus their time and energy on the work that matters most.
Some practical productivity benefits include:
rewriting technical content for different audiences, helping improve clarity and accessibility
enhancing search and information retrieval through AI-assisted tools embedded in everyday software
automating repetitive administrative tasks, freeing up time for strategic thinking and collaboration
Applied thoughtfully, these tools support better use of professional expertise rather than diminishing it.
A balanced view
Artificial intelligence is neither a silver bullet nor something to fear. Like many technological shifts before it, its value depends on how it is used.
For planners, the opportunity lies in combining emerging tools with the skills that have always defined good planning: curiosity, critical thinking, judgement and care for the communities we serve.
A snapshot of AI in 2023
When this article was first written in late 2023, generative AI tools were still relatively new to everyday planning practice. At the time, we were experimenting with how these tools could support communication, ideation and visual storytelling—particularly in early conversations and workshops.
Below are a few examples of images generated using AI tools in 2023, exploring planning and place-based themes. These were used to prompt discussion, explain ideas and test how technology might support creative thinking.
Pencil drawing of solar panels, wind farm, power lines
A super large offshore wind turbine seen at the golden hour of a day
Child's drawing of a typical freeway and industrial area in Australia
An artist impression of new glass and timber apartment buildings situated along the Cottesloe Beach coastline
Aerial photograph of a modern and futuristic city in broad daylight, with a blue tinge (2023)
Looking back, these examples offer a useful snapshot of what AI could do at the time.
What’s perhaps more interesting is how quickly expectations have shifted. Compare these early outputs with what you’re seeing today and think about how the role of AI in planning, design and communication continues to evolve.
Here's the latest ChatGPT 5.2 image generation using the same prompt "Create an aerial photograph of a modern and futuristic city in broad daylight, with a blue tinge" .
Aerial photograph of a modern and futuristic city in broad daylight, with a blue tinge (2026)
Compare this with the 2023 output. This took only a few seconds to create.
The AI tools may change rapidly, but the question remains the same: how do we use technology thoughtfully, responsibly and in service of better planning outcomes?
As a final (and slightly lighter) reflection, here is a short AI-generated haiku on planning:
Urban planners strive To design cities with care Harmony prevails
As for our team, we continue to explore how emerging tools can support better planning outcomes, get in touch to learn more here
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