Associate Professor, College of Design and Innovation, Tongji University, China

Research Scientist / Research Affiliate, Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( Media Lab City Science Group)

Lab Manager / Senior Research scientist, Tongji-MIT City Science Lab @ Shanghai

Director, Zero Carbon Innovation Joint Lab, College of Design and Innovation, Tongji University, China

Brief Introduction

Yang Liu’s research focuses on data-driven and evidence-based design theories and practices, with a particular emphasis on the collaboration between AI and human intelligence in design decision-making. His work advances the development of AI-assisted decision support systems, applying agent-based modeling (ABM) to simulate complex interactions in urban environments and enhance the scientific rigor and foresight of design processes.

In the field of human–computer interaction, Liu explores multimodal interaction design and human–AI collaboration, emphasizing tangible and immersive interfaces that lower cognitive barriers and enable active participation of non-expert stakeholders in co-design processes. His research on collaborative and co-creative decision-making methods integrates data analytics, scenario modeling, and interactive design into an interdisciplinary framework, supporting more transparent, equitable, and inclusive urban and community governance.

Application-wise, Liu’s research focuses on the sustainable design of future communities, aiming to achieve a dynamic balance between social equity, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation. Through data-driven approaches and human–AI collaboration, his work contributes to rethinking urban decision-making systems and fostering resilient, sustainable, and participatory urban futures.

Research

Urban HCI

Tangible User Interfaces (TUIs)

AI-assisted Design

Collaborative Design

Decision Support Systems

Teaching

Undergraduate course: <Sustainability Consciousness>

Master’s courses:<Data-Driven and Evidence-Based Design>，<Socio-Technical Transitions Towards Sustainability> (taught in English)

Academic and social Post

Research Scientist / Research Affiliate，Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( Media Lab City Science Group)

Lab Manager / Senior Research scientist，Tongji-MIT City Science Lab @ Shanghai

Director，Zero Carbon Innovation Joint Lab，College of Design and Innovation，Tongji University

Distinguished Expert，Tencent Technology

Education Background

2018.03-2019.03  Visiting Scholar，Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA

2006.09-2011.07  Ph.D. in Architecture，Tongji University

2003.09-2006.07  Master of Architecture，Tongji University

1997.09-2002.07  Bachelor of Architecture，Harbin Institute of Technology

Work Experience

2024-present  Associate Professor，College of Design and Innovation，Tongji University

2013.06-2023  Lecturer，College of Design and Innovation，Tongji University

2011.09-2013.05  Co-Founder / Director / Executive Deputy General Manager，Tongji Tiandi Design Innovation Co., Ltd.

Design

[1] 2023  “Shenzhen Urban Observatory Platform” - design and development of artificial intelligence-assisted collaborative design and decision support platform

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/wH4zRCvhWLJwp9-WCOSBPw

[2] 2022  IndustryScopeGPT- decoding Urban Industrial Complexity，empowering human-machine collaborative planning and design decision-making process

[3] 2022  SoCity Community DAO-build a non-profit DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) to bring together communities, individuals and organizations in cities to drive positive change through prosocial and pro-sustainability behaviors.

https://www.media.mit.edu/projects/socity-dao/overview/

[4] 2021  Equity WITHOUT Zoning -Sustainable Cities through Decentralization: A Support Tool for Designing Smart Sustainable Community Ecosystems

[5] 2019  NICE2035 LivingLine Project ( Cityscope LivingLine )-an artificial intelligence assisted design support system，a version of the MIT CityScope platform to support the urban decision making that promotes urban vibrancy and innovation potential.

https://www.media.mit.edu/projects/cityscope-livingline-shanghai/overview/

Architecture and Urban Design

[1] 2016  Research and Design of a Vibrant Street in Lingang New Town，Shanghai

[2] 2015  Urban Brand Strategy and Wayfinding System Design for the Lakefront Landscape Belt，Shanghai Lingang New Town

[3] 2014  R&D and Renovation Design for the “Sunshine Valley” Expo Axis，Shanghai World Expo Park

[4] 2014  China Ocean Expo International Exhibition Area and Central Plaza Project

[5] 2013  Comprehensive Renovation of the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games Green Expo (Principal Project Lead)

[6] 2012  Strategic Master Plan for the Overall Improvement of Nanjing Hexi New Town (Principal Project Lead)

[7] 2011  Research and Urban Design for Areas Surrounding Jiading New Town Rail Transit Station，Shanghai

Publications

[1] 2025  Yang Liu，Thomas Sanchez Lengeling，Markus Elkatsha，Luis Alonso Pastor，Carson Smuts，Jiwen Ge，Can Wang，and Kent Larson. 2025. Shenzhen Urban Observatory: A Tangible-AI Platform for Collaborative Urban Design and Decision Support. Manuscript under review，CHI 2026.

[2] 2025  Yang Liu，Yongqi Lou，Kent Larson，Danwen Ji，and Yan Zhang. 2025. Co-Adaptive Cognition in Human–AI Collaborative Decision-Making: The TIIDP Framework in Developing a Participatory Planning Platform. Manuscript under review，CHI 2026.

[3] 2024  Siqi Wang，Chao Liang，Yunfan Gao，Yang Liu，Jing Li，and Haofen Wang. 2024. Decoding Urban Industrial Complexity: Enhancing Knowledge-Driven Insights via IndustryScopeGPT. In Proceedings of the 32nd ACM International Conference on Multimedia (MM ’24). ACM，4757–4765.

[4] 2023  Yan Zhang et al.，Understanding Street-Level Urban Vibrancy via Spatial-Temporal Wi-Fi Data Analytics: Case LivingLine Shanghai [ J]. Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science，2023. (9 th author)

[5] 2023  Yang Liu，Jiwen Ge，and Jue Ma: "Research on the Application of Tangible User Interface in Planning Support System Design" [J]，"Decoration"（CSSCI）, Issue 6，2023.

[6] 2020  Yan Zhang，Yang Liu. CityScope LivingLine: An interactive and tangible simulation tool for urban decision-making[C]. International Conference on Urban Studies，2020.

[7] 2019  Xiaoyan Shen et al.，Mole Messenger: Pushable Interfaces for Connecting Family at A Distance [C]. ACM TEI, 2019. (4th author)

[8] 2017  Qianqian Yu，Yang Liu，et al.: "Design of "Emerging Platform" in Slums - Physical Space Construction and Community Promotion Design for the Communication of Art and Culture in Slums" [J]，"Decoration"（CSSCI）, Issue 7，2017.

Honors and Awards

[1] 2023  Digital China Innovation Competition，New Talent Award for Shenzhen Urban Observatory Platform

[2] 2023  International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA)，Bronze Award (Digital Interaction) for AI-assisted Collaborative Design Platform

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/wH4zRCvhWLJwp9-WCOSBPw

Contact

Email: liuy@tongji.edu.cn

WeChat Official Account：同济麻省理工上海城市科学实验室