Re-imagining Aizawl: Artificial intelligence and visual arts in urban transformation

Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, is known for its mountainous topography, small winding roads, and breathtaking views of the surrounding blue mountains. With an estimated population of more than 400,000 people in 2024, the city has become a flourishing urban center. Through the lens of artificial intelligence and graphic effects, this study explores the creative reimagining of Aizawl, gaining popularity recently on various social media platforms, particularly Instagram, through viral videos and photos created by both aspiring and established visual effect artists and AI enthusiasts. These artists, using their skills and technologies, are creating their envisioned cityscape of Aizawl. This study investigates the inspirations behind these artistic pursuits, the tools and techniques they utilize, the public perception of their products, the potential ability of their creative expression in urban planning, and the challenges they face in their artistic pursuits. Artists can utilize artificial intelligence to model changes to the city, design, and suggest developments that reflect the local cultural heritage while following worldwide trends. Such is the potential of artificial intelligence and graphic effects-powerful tools for urban planning and cultural expression, if utilized correctly-allowing for a change in approach to urban development. Through interviews with various visual artists, this study shows how the AI-generated imagining of the city both reflects and influences the common imagining of Aizawl city.