My research explores the use of Extended Reality (XR), including Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), in urban planning to improve public participation with a focus on environmental sustainability. The goal is to develop XR applications that help the public understand and engage with urban spaces, promoting informed decision-making on environmental and sustainability issues.
The methodology combines qualitative and quantitative approaches. Initially, a literature review was conducted on current XR applications in urban planning. This informed the development of AR prototypes in a dedicated visualization lab, where students worked hands-on with AR tools to create models for real-world urban planning projects. Students in the Master Project course, for example, designed AR-based applications for the redesign of the Bonn central bus station, incorporating environmental aspects such as mobility and sustainability. Feedback was collected through surveys and discussions, providing insights into both the effectiveness of the AR tools and how they impacted public engagement with environmental data.
The outcomes of this research highlight XR’s potential to bridge gaps in public engagement by offering immersive tools for visualizing complex urban data. The student projects showcased how AR could simplify the communication of environmental and sustainability factors, making urban planning more accessible and fostering greater public involvement. Additionally, the AR visualization lab proved effective in supporting the iterative development and testing of these applications. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of how XR can enhance urban planning processes, with a focus on integrating environmental considerations into urban design. A peer-reviewed article, set to be published in 2025, will introduce an updated Reality-Virtuality Continuum and further explore XR’s potential in sustainable urban development.