Planning’s Future: AI And Place Making

The planning profession is facing unprecedented change. Immediate adaptation is demanded as urban environments are reshaped by climate pressures, technological disruption, and the urgent need for housing and infrastructure.This episode tackles these monumental challenges by sharing fresh thinking and practical perspectives on the way forward. The conversation explores major forces driving change: from climate action and infrastructure finance to the role of AI in moving planning's focus from development control to strategic place making.We are joined by Alice Charles, a Chartered Town Planner and registered member of the Irish Planning Institute. Alice is the Director for Cities, Planning & Design at Arup, where she advises governments and city leaders worldwide on building more resilient, inclusive, and liveable urban environments.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTInclusion motivated early planning studiesGlobal mega-trends shaping urban developmentFinancing is essential for infrastructure deliveryVacancy is the short-term housing crisis leakFuture planners need design and finance skillsQUOTESWhen I meet with planners in the Nordics, they focus most of their time on forward planning, on place making, on bringing forward regeneration systems, and particularly with AI. Will we need so many people focused on development control in the future? - Alice CharlesIf we are going to bring about change, we've got to demonstrate that it has a return on investment, that it delivers multiple benefits, so our health, our well being, resiliency, as well as admission. -  Alice Charles I think what we need to get back to is really focusing on place making. -  Alice CharlesGUEST DETAILSAlice Charles is a Director for Cities, Planning & Design at Arup, where she focuses on delivering cross-cutting urban strategy projects globally. A Chartered Town Planner, she is an expert in urban strategy and design, having advised governments, international organisations, and city leaders worldwide on creating more resilient, inclusive, and liveable urban environments. Her achievements include leading the World Economic Forum’s cities work for nearly nine years and serving as an external member of the NAMA Planning Advisory Committee.Connect with the Irish Planning Institute:Website: ipi.iePodfollow: podfollow.com/ipiSearch podcast player: "IPI Planners Podcast"PODCAST HOST DETAILSDr. Sean O'Leary MIPI is a highly respected Senior Planner at the Irish Planning Institute (IPI) and a key voice in the field of Irish planning. With extensive experience and a deep understanding of planning policy and practice, Dr. O'Leary brings a wealth of knowledge to "The Planners' Podcast." Professionals and enthusiasts alike seek to navigate the complexities of urban and rural development in Ireland. As a member of the Irish Planning Institute (MIPI), Dr. O'Leary demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of the planning profession. Find out more: https://ipi.ie/ABOUT THE IRISH PLANNING INSTITUTEThe Irish Planning Institute (IPI) is the all-island professional body for planners in Ireland, dedicated to advancing the field of physical, spatial, and environmental planning for the common good. Established in 1975, the IPI plays a vital role in shaping sustainable development across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Through its diverse membership, which includes professionals from public, private, and academic sectors, the IPI offers a unified voice on critical planning issues.Find out more:https://ipi.ie/The Planners Podcast is produced for IPI by dustpod.ioKEYWORDS #PlanningFuture #UrbanRegeneration #InfrastructureFinance #ClimateAction #PlaceMaking