Application of Artificial Intelligence in Public Space Design and Urban Planning in Ho Chi Minh City: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

In the context of global digital transformation and the growing trend of smart urban development, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly regarded as a strategic tool to enhance the effectiveness of public space design and urban planning. This paper analyzes the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating AI into the planning of public spaces in Ho Chi Minh City—a pioneering metropolis in Vietnam's strategy for creative and sustainable urban development. Employing an interdisciplinary theoretical framework that intersects planning, technology, and urban sociology, the authors adopt a case-based analytical approach, synthesizing secondary sources and referencing international studies to assess the feasibility of AI integration. Findings suggest that AI not only holds promise for improving urban quality of life but also contributes to the establishment of data-driven urban governance. However, realizing this potential requires Ho Chi Minh City to address critical barriers including data infrastructure, human resource capabilities, regulatory frameworks, and societal acceptance.