How can digital tools like augmented reality motivate and support young people to re-imagin and experience everyday urban spaces to more inclusive, climate-resilient place?

Can universities act as social infrastructure enabling communities to build capacity, drive social innovation, and create real impact for the energy transition and climate resilience? We explored this question today in Hoensbroek (City of Heerlen, the Netherlands), where we worked with students on co-designing the future of Gebroekerplein, this time using augmented reality (AR). The students imagined alternative spatial scenarios and shared their visions for how the square could become a more vibrant, climate-responsive, and inclusive outdoor space for their community.

At CCLab we connect research, education, and local engagement, and test new methods and tools to strengthen community voices in shaping their environment. Many thanks to the students for their creativity and inspiring ideas, and to the teachers at Broeklandcollege, Erik Molnar and Kirstin Dolmans, for making this workshop possible.