Responsive Public Spaces and the Economics of Experience: Interactive Architecture in the Age of Urban Digitalization

Purpose: This paper investigates how interactive architectural installations in public urban spaces function as components of the experience economy, with a particular focus on their economic, spatial, and symbolic roles within contemporary cities. Approach/Methodology/Design: The study applies a comparative matrix analysis to fifteen interactive public space projects realized between 2020 and 2025. Each case is evaluated across eight parameters, including technological complexity, civic function, symbolic messaging, infrastructural role, and economic activation. The research integrates architectural theory, urban studies, and cultural economics to interpret the findings. Findings: Results indicate that interactive installations are increasingly aligned with urban soft infrastructure, offering benefits such as civic engagement, placemaking, and tourism stimulation. Projects with stronger symbolic or ecological narratives showed higher public memorability and branding potential. Technological sophistication correlated with infrastructural value, while spatial integration influenced long-term civic relevance. Practical Implications: The findings support the inclusion of responsive design strategies in urban planning and policy, particularly in contexts focused on creative economy development, tourism, and sustainable public space innovation. Originality/Value: This study provides one of the first systematic typologies of post-2020 interactive public installations from an economic and spatial perspective. It contributes new insights into how digital architecture interfaces with urban economies and civic culture in the context of rapid urban digitalization.