Amidst the many major news events of the last few weeks was the launch of Chat GPTon November 30. A chatbot developed by US-based OpenAI, it’s causing a stir amongst investors and technologists, and is even being talked about as a replacement for Google. It’s also giving anyone who takes part in its current beta test an opportunity to engage with an AI around pretty much any topic.
I registered for the beta test and chatted with ChatGPT about lots of things, including some topical issues related to planning and regeneration. So here are four hot topics that I raised with ChatGPT and what it had to say about them.
Me: How can urban regeneration reduce health inequality?
ChatGPT: “Urban regeneration refers to the process of revitalizing and revitalizing urban areas, often through physical, economic, and social interventions. When done effectively, urban regeneration can help reduce health inequality by improving the quality of the built environment, increasing access to resources and amenities, and creating more equitable and inclusive communities.
Here are a few ways in which urban regeneration can help reduce health inequality:
· Improving the built environment: Urban regeneration projects can improve the physical characteristics of neighborhoods, such as the quality of housing, the availability of green space, and the design of streets and public spaces. These improvements can help create safer and more supportive environments that promote physical activity and mental health.
· Increasing access to resources and amenities: Urban regeneration can also increase access to resources and amenities that support health and well-being, such as healthcare facilities, supermarkets, and public transportation. This can be particularly beneficial for underserved communities that may have limited access to these resources.
· Creating more inclusive and equitable communities: Urban regeneration can also support the development of more inclusive and equitable communities by promoting affordable housing, creating job opportunities, and supporting local businesses. This can help reduce the social and economic disparities that contribute to health inequality.
Overall, urban regeneration can be an effective way to reduce health inequality by improving the physical, economic, and social conditions of urban areas and creating more supportive and inclusive communities.”
Me: Should local residents be part of building new housing developments?
ChatGPT: “It is generally considered important for local residents to be involved in the planning and development of new housing projects in their communities. This is because local residents are the ones who will be most affected by the development, and their input can help ensure that the project meets their needs and addresses any concerns they may have.
There are several ways that local residents can be involved in the development of new housing projects:
· Community consultation: Developers and local authorities should consult with the local community during the planning process to gather feedback and ideas about the proposed development. This can be done through public meetings, online surveys, or other methods of engagement.
· Community participation: Local residents can also be involved in the development process through participation in community planning groups or committees. These groups can help ensure that the voices of local residents are heard and that the development meets the needs of the community.
· Community ownership: Some housing developments may also involve opportunities for local residents to own or co-own the housing units. This can help ensure that the development remains responsive to the needs of the community and that local residents have a stake in its success.
Overall, it is important for local residents to be involved in the development of new housing projects in their communities. This can help ensure that the projects meet the needs and preferences of the community and contribute to the well-being and vitality of the neighborhood.”
Me: Do NIMBYs stall progress?
ChatGPT: “NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) is a term used to describe people who oppose development or change in their own neighborhood, even if they support it in general. While NIMBYism can take many forms, it is often motivated by concerns about the impact of the development on the local community, such as increased traffic, noise, or loss of green space.
NIMBYism can sometimes stall progress on development projects, as local residents who oppose the development may use various tactics, such as protesting or lobbying, to try to halt or modify the project. This can lead to delays, cost overruns, and other challenges for developers and local authorities.
However, it is important to note that not all opposition to development projects is NIMBYism. Some local residents may have legitimate concerns about the impact of the development on their community and the environment, and it is important for developers and local authorities to engage with these concerns and address them in a constructive manner.
Overall, NIMBYism can sometimes stall progress on development projects, but it is important to recognize that not all opposition to development is motivated by NIMBYism and that it is important to engage with and address the concerns of local residents in a constructive manner.”
Me: Is levelling up an effective approach to improving cities & regions?
ChatGPT: “Levelling up refers to the idea of addressing economic disparities and promoting economic development in disadvantaged areas, typically through investment in infrastructure, skills, and other resources. The goal of levelling up is to improve the prosperity and quality of life for people living in these areas and to create more balanced and inclusive economic growth.
There is evidence to suggest that levelling up can be an effective approach to improving cities and regions. Investment in infrastructure and skills can create jobs, stimulate economic activity, and improve the quality of life for local residents. In addition, levelling up can help address regional imbalances and reduce economic disparities between different areas.
However, it is important to note that levelling up is not a quick or easy process, and success will depend on a variety of factors, including the specific needs and challenges of the area, the availability of resources and funding, and the effectiveness of the interventions. It is also important to engage with local communities and stakeholders to ensure that the investments made are aligned with the needs and priorities of the region.
Overall, levelling up can be an effective approach to improving cities and regions, but it requires careful planning, resources, and engagement with local communities to ensure that it is successful.”
So there you have it – an AI approach to the problems and challenges of planning and regeneration. Not bad, and clearly appreciative of the value that local communities bring to the process. Whatever your view, it’s not going away and will only get better. We’re in for some big changes in 2023.
Happy Holidays!
Clare Delmar
Listen to Locals
20 December 2022
