Incorporating planning intelligence into deep learning: A planning support tool for street network design

Deep learning applications in shaping ad hoc planning proposals are limited by the difficulty in integrating professional knowledge about cities with artificial intelligence. We propose a novel, complementary use of deep neural networks and planning guidance to automate street network generation that can be context-aware, example-based and user-guided. The model tests suggest that the incorporation of planning knowledge (e.g., road junctions and neighborhood types) in the model training leads to a more realistic prediction of street configurations. Furthermore, the new tool provides both professional and lay users an opportunity to systematically and intuitively explore benchmark proposals for comparisons and further evaluations.