Innovating Planning Education in the Age of AI Emergence

Firstly, the importance of this topic lies in its ability to address the changing demands of the industry. As AI is increasingly applied in urban and regional planning, future planners need to master relevant skills and knowledge to adapt. Planning education must keep pace with this trend to ensure that students are well-prepared for the job market. By focusing on this topic, we can bridge the gap between academia and practice, enabling students to gain a competitive edge in their future careers.

Secondly, there are three main themes that can be discussed under this topic. One is the integration of AI tools in the planning curriculum. This involves teaching students how to use software and platforms like GIS with AI capabilities for data analysis and spatial modelling. For example, machine learning algorithms can help in predicting urban growth patterns more accurately. Another theme is the impact of AI on the planning process and the resulting paradigm shifts. AI can automate certain routine tasks in planning, freeing up planners' time for more creative and strategic work. It also changes the way data is collected, analysed, and utilized, leading to new approaches in urban design and policy formulation. The third theme is the transformation of teaching methods enabled by AI. Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies can create immersive learning environments, allowing students to experience planning scenarios in a more intuitive way and enhancing their understanding of complex concepts.

Finally, Frontiers of Urban and Rural Planning journal have unique advantages in hosting this topic. It can attract high-quality research papers and contributions from experts around the world, ensuring the academic depth and rigour of the discussion. Its editorial team and review process can guarantee the quality of the content published, making it a reliable source of information for the participants.

This special session will consist of two parts: special reports and a youth roundtable forum. Prominent experts in the planning field will be invited to introduce their experiences and offer plans for future development during the special reports section. Subsequently, young scholars from the AESOP Youth Association will conduct in-depth discussions on future response strategies in the form of a roundtable forum.

Keywords: AI in planning education, Digital transformation in planning, AI-driven teaching methods