by InTrieste
This morning, Trieste introduced a new approach to urban planning by using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze feedback from a recent public questionnaire on the redevelopment of the Barcola waterfront. The results of this analysis were presented at a press conference held in the Sala Tergeste.
The city’s Department of Innovation and Citizen Services, under the direction of Lorenzo Bandelli, collaborated with AI Consultant Luca Bandelli to process the responses collected from a participatory questionnaire conducted between December 2023 and January 2024. The questionnaire was made available both online and in paper format and aimed to gather public input on various aspects of the waterfront project, including mobility, parking, public green spaces, and beach access.
The questionnaire received over 2,500 responses, with approximately 8,000 open-ended answers. Traditional methods of analyzing this data would have been labor-intensive, but the application of AI facilitated a more efficient review process. The AI system, developed by Luca Bandelli, summarized and categorized the feedback, resulting in a 22-page report that highlights user motivations and suggestions.
Most respondents called for improved bike lanes and pedestrian pathways, with 65% highlighting the need for safer and well-marked routes and better integration with public transport. Concerns about parking were significant, with 70% of feedback advocating for expanded parking capacity and potential fee-based management. Enhancements to public green spaces were also a common theme, with 60% of responses suggesting more trees, flower beds, and family-friendly areas. Beach access improvements were noted by 55% of participants, who recommended better pathways and facilities for people with disabilities. Finally, safety and urban furnishings emerged as priorities, with 50% emphasizing the need for enhanced lighting, regular patrols, and well-maintained public amenities.
Additionally, an interactive tool named “AILO” was created to allow users to engage with the data through a generative AI chat interface. This tool enables users to explore and interact with the responses in a detailed and personalized way.
