2. Execute – The role of Augmented Reality in designing cities for coexistence
Augmented Reality (AR) applications can significantly support the "Designing Cities for Coexistence: Wildlife and Urban Spaces" initiative by making complex ecological concepts tangible and by fostering empathy and a sense of stewardship in students. By overlaying digital information onto the real world, AR transforms the built environment into an interactive classroom, bridging the gap between abstract biological principles and their practical application in urban planning (Wang & Li, 2020).
2.2 Real studies and practical exercises
Meaningful integration of AR in hands-on learning is already happening globally, particularly in fields like environmental and urban education. These examples demonstrate how AR can move students beyond passive observation and into active, creative problem-solving inspired by nature.
A case study in Oslo, Norway, involved youth in the "Oslo Trees" plan to plant 100,000 new trees. Using AR, the students could generate their own planning proposals on-site and at scale. This hands-on, AR-supported activity not only increased their understanding of urban planning and design but also gave them a sense of control and confidence in presenting their ideas. This model is directly applicable to coexistence design, where students could propose and visualize wildlife-friendly infrastructure (Reaver, 2023).
By integrating these features and activities, an AR application becomes a powerful educational engine, enabling students to "see" the invisible connections in their urban environment, practice designing with nature, and become active participants in creating more harmonious cities for all species.