IN-PERSON Barcelona. Section A

Abstract

In the search for equitable urban environments, the role of participatory practices in shaping the urban environments of vulnerable communities comes under critical scrutiny. The prevailing environmental and health crises serve as a stark reminder of the past failures in collaborative urban design and planning. It is imperative, now more than ever, to engage communities in the co-creation of their neighbourhoods, through collaborative methods that actively involve communities in shaping their urban spaces. XR technologies emerge as instrumental in transcending traditional participatory barriers, empowering vulnerable communities by visualising the implications of urban design decisions within their lived environments. The immersive and interactive nature of XR fosters a shared understanding and engagement, leading to more democratic and transparent co-creation processes. This paper presents a compelling narrative on the role of Extended Reality (XR) technologies, encompassing Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), as pivotal tools in enabling the co-design and co-creation of urban environments. By examining two research projects undertaken in Oxford, which focus on the co-design of mental health-promoting urban gardens and the co-creation of inclusive public green spaces, the effectiveness of XR in urban design and planning is critically evaluated. It highlights how these technologies can overcome traditional barriers and encourage democratic involvement in decision-making, supporting the co-design and co-creation of sustainable and healthy communities.