Augmented reality as a participation tool for youth in urban planning processes: Case study in Oslo, Norway

Augmented reality (AR) allows objects to be digitally simulated in the real world through smartphones, tablets, and headsets. While there are interesting AR technology case studies participatory urban planning, this type of research has yet conducted within a real-life municipal planning scenario. Following UN Habitat recommendation that further as tool seek integrate with citizens, we studied use for Oslo Trees plan Norway. The study consists field work between 2020 2021 over five weeks, different groups youth participants from eight districts Oslo, who were tasked portion Oslo’s 100,000 new trees. We document how these youths used films, images, drawings, interviews, screen recordings, recorded presentations. find is highly intuitive user design schemes impacted final plan. aided users’ ability generate their own proposals on site at scale; nearly all increased understanding participation, architecture, workshops. In addition, experienced an sense confidence displaying intentions appreciated being given control process. However, also found location tracking positioning imprecise often “buggy” current state technology, causing irritation among users. Furthermore, despite high degree afforded users AR, experts still needed verify which tree viable, offering important insights into could designed future. conclude discussion opportunities barriers implementation pointing need more coordinated holistic approach both development policy if developed planning.