City planning has always been a complex puzzle—balancing infrastructure, sustainability, traffic, and community needs. But today, AI is offering planners a powerful advantage: the ability to simulate and optimize entire cityscapes before any ground is broken.
Shah Muhammad, Head of AI Innovation at engineering and design firm Sweco, is at the forefront of this transformation. “AI is revolutionising urban design and infrastructure planning by optimising processes, enhancing decision-making, and improving sustainability outcomes,” he says.
His team can now model thousands of possible futures for a city block or transportation network, testing for things like congestion, pollution, and resilience. The result? Smarter cities that are better tuned to human and environmental needs.
Planning for a messy world
Of course, no simulation is perfect. Real-world conditions—weather, construction delays, human unpredictability—create a level of chaos that AI alone can’t solve. Shah acknowledges this as one of the biggest hurdles: “Ensuring that models accurately represent these conditions and can adapt is crucial.”
To manage this, Sweco relies on strong foundations: consistent, high-quality data and interoperable tools. “We implement rigorous data governance practices, standardise data formats, and use interoperable software tools,” Shah explains.
When all teams are aligned and systems can communicate, the AI has the clean input it needs to produce reliable insights. It’s less about magic algorithms and more about disciplined preparation.
Sustainability with a conscience
One of the most exciting uses of AI at Sweco goes beyond buildings and roads. In one project, the technology was used to protect biodiversity by identifying endangered species in development zones and flagging them for researchers. “If I had to choose one project where AI made a real impact, it would be that,” Shah reflects.
This application is a powerful example of how AI can amplify environmental stewardship, giving nature a seat at the planning table.
Looking ahead: AI that predicts and prevents
So what’s next? Shah sees a future where AI becomes not just a planner, but a real-time advisor. “The biggest opportunity for AI in the AEC sector lies in predictive analytics and automation,” he says.
Imagine roads that predict when they’ll need repairs, bridges that monitor their own safety, and urban systems that adapt proactively to climate shifts. AI could soon automate routine tasks, catch issues early, and help architects and engineers focus on the creative challenges that matter most.
As AI continues to mature, the vision isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about creating cities that are safer, more inclusive, and in harmony with the planet. And the work being done at Sweco shows that future is already under construction.
