Zhong-Ren Peng, professor in the UF Department of Urban and Regional Planning and director of iAdapt, recently published “Symbiotic Planning Theory: The CORE Framework for Human-AI Cocreation in Urban Planning” in the Journal of the American Planning Association with current and former Ph.D. students.
The paper argues that AI should be treated as a co-creative partner in planning rather than as a passive tool or autonomous decision-maker. It introduces the CORE framework—Collaboration, Options, Refinement, and Execution—to support accountable human–AI collaboration while preserving human judgment, democratic legitimacy, and public accountability.
Using Gainesville’s shared e-scooter program as a case study, the paper shows how cities can use AI not only for efficiency, but also for equity and continued human oversight.