Can AI help the transform the future of downtown Seattle?
In a recent update to its “Downtown Activation Plan” aimed at rejuvenating the city’s core, Seattle leaders released images created by AI of potential structures and communities that could mold downtown Seattle’s future as part of a broader approach coined “Space Needle Thinking.”
These AI-created illustrations were curated by architectural firm Olson Kundig from third-party apps and displayed on a special webpage as visual demonstrations of grand concepts. The images are meant to spark public conversation and engagement, versus actual projects that will be built.
They include a sports and recreational facility visualized as a colossal glass canopy, sheltering an activity-laden city block.
Other concepts include a streetcar connecting a continuous arts, culture, and entertainment district, and a new marketplace, akin to Pike Place Market, but focusing on supporting businesses from Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color.
The AI illustrations also depict Westlake Park as a lively public space featuring giant screens broadcasting major sports events.
There’s also an “Urban Forest,” potentially covering I-5 with trees or incorporating green spaces inspired by the urban natural beach next to the Olympic Sculpture Park.
Finally, taking a cue from the University of Washington’s Startup Hall, illustrations show a Makerspace Campus concept, where educational institutions and companies can cooperate to encourage innovation. This facility would gather individuals skilled in physical craftsmanship, like woodworking and robotics, to establish a hub of creativity and collaboration.
Ideally, curating AI imagery for this purpose goes beyond simple conjecture. As longtime land use writer and editor Chris Steins recently argued, the use of AI visions can “transcend human biases and traditional thinking,” revealing “fresh perspectives” on urban potential. Steins generated 26 international city images by ChatGPT and Midjourney, which show a sense of how AI’s creativity and scale may enable revolutionary urban solutions.
But do Seattle “Space Needle Ideas” and AI imagery — at least those so far — meet the mark?
No one suggests that these ideas and AI images are a done deal. But even as catalysts, I see challenges applicable to such spontaneous or crowd-sourced concepts.
Lack of Contextual Understanding or Definitional Prompts
My prior GeekWire articles highlight the need to understand a city’s unique context and character as a predicate to good planning. Somewhat generic AI images arguably fail to capture Seattle’s downtown’s essence, including its history, culture, and community dynamics. The June 28 rollout of AI-created images — without understanding of the prompts provided by Olson Kundig — risks neglecting the intricate details that define Seattle’s downtown, potentially leading to cloned developments from elsewhere that don’t reflect the city’s identity.
Disregard for Human Experience
How will the human experience in these urban spaces be planned for and calibrated? AI images might prioritize aesthetics and efficiency over the impact on people’s daily routine. While the purpose of such spaces is to enhance residents’ and visitors’ well-being and quality of life, it is not entirely clear why and how these ideas were chosen for presentation.
Limited Community Engagement
More vetting can and will occur, of course. But AI images — however inspirational — cannot substitute the crucial input and insights gained from involving the community in decision-making. As the several protesters at the mayor’s latest “Downtown Activation Plan” news conference illustrated, inspiration will be offset by naysayers.
Unforeseen Consequences
Are the AI images entirely consistent with Seattle’s comprehensive planning efforts, or they idealized images more akin to quick fixes that seem right today? AI images are based on existing data, potentially not accounting for future changes and evolving needs.
Ethical Considerations
Is this a wise time to use AI images rather than conventional renderings? AI algorithms are trained on data that may contain biases and inequalities. Over-relying on AI-created images risks perpetuating these biases and further marginalizing certain communities. GeekWire recent highlighted the City’s identification of novel risks and concerns for municipalities and the lack of community trust in the technology.
In summary, while AI can provide valuable insights, any overemphasis on enhancing Seattle’s downtown based on AI-inspired images needs more up-front orientation and detail.
In order to create a lively and inclusive urban environment, the “Space Needle Thinking” initiative should more particularly combine AI’s potential with local expertise, community involvement, and more detailed documentation of the city’s unique context.
City officials and stakeholders will need to keep this in mind to assure downtown Seattle thrives while preserving its identity and meeting its residents’ needs.
