This project investigates how Spatial Computing and Augmented Reality (AR) can support more inclusive and democratic participation in urban design through a live project with the Southside BID Birmingham (Southside District). This project co-created between Dr Lucas Huges, Dr Jieling Xiao and Dr Antonella Radicchi (EU Citizen Science Expert) focuses on how real-time spatial visualisation can enable local communities to better understand, question, and actively shape early-stage design proposals. The project is funded by the RAAD Research Award at BCU.
At the centre of the project is the development and testing of an innovative participatory method called the Applied AR Walk. This novel approach combines mobile AR visualisation with situated dialogue through guided site walks, allowing participants to experience speculative design interventions directly within the physical environment where change may occur. The method integrates real-time AR viewing, group discussion, follow-up surveys, and a hands-on mapping workshop, creating a multi-layered co-creation process that moves beyond traditional consultation formats. The novelty of the method lies in its ability to situate design conversations directly within the lived urban context, allowing participants to visualise proposals at full scale and respond collectively in real time. By making design ideas visible and discussable in place, the approach helps reduce abstraction barriers that often exclude non-experts from planning processes. This creates opportunities for more meaningful co-creation, where participants move from passive consultees to active contributors shaping design narratives.
If you wish to know more about the project or discuss about potential collaboration, please contact Dr Lucas Hughes Lucas.Hughes@bcu.ac.uk.
Publications and Media:
Xiao, J., Radicchi, A., Hughes. L. (2022). “Reclaiming” the street: Socio-economic sustainability in Business Improvement Districts in the post-Covid climate. Symposium on Street ahead: post-pandemic civic spaces. Technological University Dublin. 9-10 September, 2022 (Blended).
Hughes, L., Xiao, J. and Raddichi, A. (forthcoming). A Latent Canvas: Critical Reflections on Participatory AR Photomontage in Birmingham’s Southside.