Augmented Reality in Urban Development Toward Sustainable Smart Cities

Urban sustainability is a multifaceted challenge that is significantly impacted by the rapid pace of urbanization, leading to increased pollution, inefficient resource use, and widening social disparities (El Alaoui and Eslamian 2022). On the other hand, cities are a key contributor to climate change, as urban activities are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Estimates suggest that cities are responsible for 75% of global CO₂ emissions, with transport and buildings being among the largest contributors. Addressing these pressing issues, including climate change and resource scarcity, is essential for the sustainable development of urban areas. As urban environments face unprecedented challenges, ranging from population growth and resource constraints to environmental concerns, the need for innovative solutions has never been more pressing. In response to these challenges, the integration of cutting-edge technologies has become imperative for creating smarter, more sustainable cities. The concept of smart cities has gained momentum, envisioning urban spaces that leverage technology to optimize infrastructure, services, and overall contemporary urban development (Vardopoulos et al. 2023; Narang 2022). Among these transformative technologies in smart cities, augmented reality (AR) stands out as a powerful tool with the potential to redefine the urban experience. AR's ability to overlay digital data onto the physical world provides a new way to visualize and interact with urban environments. This enhances informed decision-making and community engagement, making AR a critical tool for addressing urban sustainability challenges. AR's innovative solutions for urban development also raise important ethical and social considerations. AR enables urban planners and architects to visualize and model proposed developments in real-world contexts. It can assist in maintenance tasks by providing real-time information on infrastructure status, such as water pipes, electrical systems, and roads. Maintenance workers equipped with AR devices can access digital overlays that highlight potential issues, maintenance history, and instructions, improving efficiency and reducing downtime.