PhD Study : ​​Digital urban planning: reimagining planning processes through the utilisation of generative AI​

Apply and key information  

Summary

This PhD examines the application of generative AI within urban planning, with the aim of exploring the potential for protocols, methods and processes necessary in what is a rapidly evolving digital context for urban planning professionals, stakeholders impacted by planning decision-making, and planning educators. Underpinning the project is the sense of an epoch moment across society generally, and specifically within urban planning, arising from increased awareness of, and accessibility to, AI tools.

​Digital transformation is increasingly embedded across all sectors of the built environment with platforms (such as CAD and GIS) and processes (BIM) used for initial design, detail, planning regulation, construction, and building management purposes. Digital twinning, for example, is recognised as a tool for incorporating real-time data into management of the urban fabric, through the growing prominence of smart cities.

​Generative AI – understood as artificial intelligence that can generate content including text and imagery based on user prompts – has the potential to impact on (urban) planning with the possibility of integrated systems and processes across digital platforms. At the same time, there are also (significant) potential risks associated with generative AI. These range from uneven access to digital tools depending on skills and financial resources – impacting on the ability of individuals and communities to engage in participatory processes – through to the manipulation of data and design tools to create false representations of built environment realities.

​Based on the above this project may follow one of several pathways, including inter alia: user experiences of understanding and interpreting imagery produced by generative AI and how this impacts participatory planning processes; the values associated with user prompts within LLMs; the future role of the planning profession and planning decision making, and the disruptive impact from AI on established systems. The supervisory team welcomes applications that develop these and cognate theme.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

  • Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

  • Masters at 65%
  • Publications - peer-reviewed

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

  • Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
  • Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
  • Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

  • Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
  • Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
  • Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
  • Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

Recommended reading

As, I., Basu, P. and Talwar, P. eds., 2022. Artificial intelligence in urban planning and design: technologies, implementation, and impacts. Elsevier.

​Batty, M. and Yang, W. (2022) A Digital Future for Planning – Spatial Planning Reimagined. Digital Task Force for Planning. Available online at:

​Cugurullo, F., Caprotti, F., Cook, M., Karvonen, A., McGuirk, P., & Marvin, S. (Eds.). (2023) Artificial Intelligence and the City: Urbanistic Perspectives on AI (1st ed.). Routledge.

​Kamrowska-Załuska D. (2021) Impact of AI-Based Tools and Urban Big Data Analytics on the Design and Planning of Cities. Land. 10(11):1209.

​Lu, Q., Xie, X., Parlikad, A.K., Schooling, J. and Pitt, M., (2022) Digital Twins in the Built Environment: Fundamentals, principles and applications. ICE Publishing.

​Urban, A., Hick, D., Noennig, J. R., & Kammer, D. (2021) With a Little Help From AI: Pros and Cons of AI in Urban Planning and Participation. International Journal of Urban Planning and Smart Cities (IJUPSC), 2(2), 19-33. http://doi.org/10.4018/IJUPSC.2021070102

​Willis, K.S. and Aurigi, A. (2018) Digital and Smart Cities. Routledge.

​Wilson, A., & Tewdwr-Jones, M. (2021) Digital Participatory Planning: Citizen Engagement, Democracy, and Design (1st ed.). Routledge.

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 26 February 2024
04:00PM

Interview Date
Mid March 2024

Preferred student start date
16 September 2024

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr Neale Blair

Other supervisors