In an era where technology seamlessly intertwines with urban landscapes, the concept of “augmented cities” is gaining traction in the United States. Locals in Washington, D.C., eager to visualize the redevelopment of the Franklin D. Reeves Center, experienced the future through a QR code and augmented reality (AR). The 3D graphics and AR technology, courtesy of New York-based inCitu, allowed residents to witness a sleek glass-fronted space that would soon house the national headquarters of the NAACP, a dance theater, restaurant, and more.
Michael Marshall, the architect behind the project, emphasized the transformative impact of this technology, stating, “This tool allows you to almost physically see what the future is going to be.” The application, designed by inCitu, aims to democratize access to urban development information, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
While AR is enhancing urban experiences, concerns arise regarding the unpreparedness of authorities for challenges posed by residents increasingly harnessing AR capabilities. As the digital and physical spaces blend, legal and ethical questions around privacy rights and data protection come to the forefront, issues that have not been adequately addressed.
According to Greg Lindsay, an urban tech fellow at Cornell Tech’s Jacobs Institute, “Cities are not really prepared for this.” The anticipated growth of urban metaverse technologies, including virtual and augmented reality applications, raises the need for robust regulations. Experts caution that the convergence of digital and physical realms will necessitate careful consideration of legal, ethical, and privacy implications.
By the end of the decade, nearly 700 cities are expected to incorporate some form of urban metaverse technologies, leading to an intersection of real-world and digital experiences. Notable instances include large AR concerts in New York’s Times Square and initiatives in Decatur, Georgia, using Bluetooth beacons and apps to assist the visually impaired.
However, challenges loom, as cities must navigate issues surrounding data privacy, misinformation on metaverse platforms, and the potential impact on public spaces. As technology companies like Apple and Meta introduce new AR headsets and eyepiece technologies, the public’s adoption of AR tools is anticipated to surge.
While the smart glasses market alone is projected to grow by over 27% annually through the end of the decade, concerns mount about the complexities arising from the merging of virtual and real worlds. Questions around advertising regulations, tax collection, private property, and public spaces pose intricate challenges for city planners.
As the augmented future unfolds, experts urge cities to proactively address these challenges and prepare for the inevitable fusion of the physical and digital realms. Mark Wheeler, former chief information officer of Philadelphia, underscores the need for cities to draft preparedness plans to navigate the augmented future responsibly.
