Future Places AR Engagement Activity
Future Places AR uses Augmented reality – digital 3D images overlaid onto the real world, viewed through a phone screen – to bring plans to life on site. A live illustrator draws participants’ ideas in 3D as the conversation unfolds, turning consultation into co-design.
How does it work?
After an initial meeting to understand the project’s objectives and context, we meet small groups of participants on site where the change is taking place. Using storytelling and immersive sound we take them on an imagined journey into the future of that place and ask them to imagine what they might see. These ideas appear live in augmented reality on devices they are holding. Through a collaborative discussion we uncover wants, concerns and gain valuable insights. Our approach turns consultation into a collaborative, productive process rather than a disconnected exercise.
On site co-design
Using tried and tested theatre-based facilitation techniques ensures a range of diverse voices are heard. The activity is fun and accessible engaging people of all ages.
VR Artist
An illustrator in a studio draws the community’s suggestions in virtual reality in real-time, instantly visible to participants on their mobile devices in augmented reality. Because the illustrator is responding to a live discussion it enables genuine co-creation not just feedback.
AR visualisation
The AR images are intentionally sketch like so the ideas feel open, helping to create a vision of what could be, rather than what will be. The 3D drawings are to scale and remain in place as you walk around them, enabling an in-depth testing of ideas in-situ.
What's included in a session -
- Pre-session planning and prep to understand project scope, objectives and context.
- Delivery of facilitated session/s – up to 3 x 1 hour sessions a day, with up to 12 people per session.
- Shareable images of AR visualisations.
- All necessary equipment is provided.
Optional Extras -
- Detailed thematic report with data analysis and visualisations.
- Video fly through of AR visualisations.
- Post activity access to 3D drawings in original location or for desktop viewing.
Case Studies
Regeneration of Filwood Broadway, South Bristol 2024-2025
Following a two-stage open tender run by Bristol City Council, Future Places Toolkit was part of a winning multi-disciplinary team lead by Architecture 00, including architect George Lovesmith and Studio Mothership.
Caerphilly Town 2035 – Festival of Ideas
As part of the Caerphilly Town 2035 project we were asked to deliver Future Places AR, engaging residents in imagining what they would like to see in 2035.