Artificial intelligence has generated images showing what some of the UK's largest cities could look like in 2050. The computer-generated pictures, created by film editor Duncan Thomsen, depict futuristic versions of London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, and Edinburgh.
Thomsen used the AI software Midjourney via the Discord application to produce the images. He prompted the AI to create a futuristic 2050 UK city while retaining historical architecture and predicting public transport based on current ideas. The results show cities with advanced transport systems and space-age designs, yet still incorporating existing landmarks.
“I wanted to show how the 20 and 30-year-olds today will design their future like 50 and 60-year-olds today designed theirs,” Thomsen said. He emphasised keeping the cities’ British identities while making them globally interesting. “London will always somewhat be leading the way in design. I like the idea of this Blade Runner future - it brought a smile to my face,” he added.
The AI responds to text prompts by referencing billions of online images to create realistic scenes. Thomsen’s visions include futuristic transport that appears sci-fi inspired, with many elements of current cities still present. The images suggest that transport will have the largest impact on city designs by 2050.
While some may prefer quieter rural areas, the images indicate that major UK cities could become beacons of future technology and design, blending innovation with historical charm.
