Aesthetic Intelligence: The Role of AI and Art in Smart Mobility

Abstract

As cities move toward smarter mobility systems, the fusion of technology and creativity is shaping not only the functionality of transport but also the emotional and aesthetic experiences of users. This research explores how artificial intelligence (AI) and artistic design are being integrated into transportation to create mobility solutions that are not only efficient but also human-centered, immersive, and visually appealing. Through the lens of data-driven aesthetics, this paper examines the evolving relationship between AI, design, and the arts in the transportation sector. By analyzing real-world case studies and emerging trends, we highlight how aesthetic intelligence — powered by data — can transform transportation into an expressive, engaging, and culturally resonant experience. The paper also reflects on the ethical and design challenges involved and suggests future directions for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Introduction

The future of transportation is shifting from speed and distance to emotional experience. With AI and data-driven design, aesthetics are becoming central to mobility systems, enhancing not just functionality but also well-being, comfort, and inclusivity.

2. Data-Driven Aesthetics

AI analyzes large datasets — moods, environments, usage patterns — to inform transport design. This fusion of art and data shapes elements like lighting, color, form, and even emotion in vehicles and stations, making mobility environments adaptive and human-centered.

3. Literature Insights

• AI as a creative tool: Not just solving problems, but generating art (e.g., GANs, machine vision).

• Experiential mobility: Emotional quality of transit spaces is as important as efficiency.

• Data-driven urbanism: Real-time sensor data shapes urban infrastructure and its aesthetic expression.

4. AI + Art in Practice: Case Studies

• Paris Metro (2023): AI-generated murals reflect seasons and commuter moods.

• Tokyo Shuttles (2024): Emotion-sensing interiors adjust lighting and visuals based on passenger states.

• Copenhagen Smart Streets: Interactive sculptures and lights respond to e-bike and scooter movements.

5. Data & Design Thinking

• Combines human empathy with AI analysis.

• Uses biometric and environmental data to personalize transport aesthetics.

• Tools like generative design software allow designers to optimize for both beauty and performance.

• Data becomes the new creative medium, and AI the collaborative assistant.

6. Ethical and Design Challenges

• Bias: Aesthetic algorithms may reflect narrow cultural styles.

• Surveillance: Emotion tracking and facial recognition risk privacy violations.

• Loss of human touch: Over-automation may strip emotional depth and spontaneity from design.

7. Future Directions

• Co-creation: Citizens can contribute to transit design via participatory AI.

• Emotional infrastructure: Transport can support mental health through mood-based environments.

• Emerging fields:

  • Aesthetic informatics: Visualizing emotional data.

  • Creative computation: Joint work by coders and artists.

  • Extended reality: Blending digital art with real-world transport hubs.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Komal Gahletia, Tilak Deepak Roy, Sumit Sarkar. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.