Generative Design in the Urban Planning Process; Exploring the Potential Role of Generative Design in the Swedish Detailed Development Planning

Abstract

With the increased demand for sustainable solution in urban development project. Municipal planning process are obligated to manage the challenges that comes with the demands. Previous research has identified generative design as a response to the challenge. This research aims to understand how current planning practices relate to the potential implementation of generative design tools in a Swedish environment. The study employed semi-structured interviews with five key actors in Swedish urban sector. While generative design is valued for its function to automate repetitive tasks that are time-consuming. The interviews illustrate that there exist several institutional and organizational barriers, which would limit the possible use of the tool. The barriers relate to aspects such as interoperability & data fragmentation, varying digital maturity between municipalities and limited function towards abstract social values. The study findings demonstrate that the role of generative design and its future integration would depend on the institutional and organizational development. As even if the tool can bring value to the planning process, the value it can currently create would be limited in the current detailed development planning process.