Virtual Reality as a Tool for Public Consultations in Spatial Planning and Management

Agnieszka Szczepańska,Rafał Kaźmierczak,Monika Myszkowska

doi:10.3390/en14196046

Agnieszka Szczepańska, Rafał Kaźmierczak + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/en14196046

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Journal: Energies	Publication Date: Sep 23, 2021
Citations: 9	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn

Abstract

Planning and management of urban space that involves the local community the process is key to optimal management of the surroundings, in line with social needs. Social isolation imposed because of the COVID-19 pandemic considerably reduces the possibility of conducting public consultations. This study hypothesized that such consultations can be carried out using new visualisation technologies in the virtual reality (VR) area. Owing to the development of new technologies, innovative services can be created which make it easier for recipients to absorb new content. To this end, the ArchitektVR application was developed, which uses enhanced reality for public consultations concerning planned land development. 3D visualisation with VR enables the presentation of various aspects of area development in a clear form, understandable to an average user with no specialist qualifications. It facilitates the presentation and creation of multiple variants/scenarios for the future shape of the area. The research assumptions were tested for a disused area of a water body. According to preliminary tests, the use of virtual reality could provide a new form of communication between decision-makers and citizens. Effective and easy-to-understand visualisations might provide encouragement to participate in local matters and enable citizens to make better decisions. 3D visualisation enabled concerned individuals to assess the potential development of a selected area fragment without an in-person visit, either in the field or to an office. This is of particular importance in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and sanitary restrictions.

Highlights

IntroductionIntroduction with regard to jurisdictional claims in Contemporary urban planning and management require the local community to participate actively in the development of its surroundings
A proposition for development of the exhausted gravel pit—Sobolewo water reservoir was prepared based on the existing graphic attachment to the local area development plan and information from the orthophoto
Through its use in developing the ArchitektVR application and designing the method of space arrangement in the exhausted gravel pit—Sobolewo water reservoir, the Unity3D graphic engine showed the benefits of virtual reality

Summary

Introduction

Introduction with regard to jurisdictional claims in Contemporary urban planning and management require the local community to participate actively in the development of its surroundings This is consistent with urban planning documents such as the Leipzig Charter on Sustainable European Cities [1] and the New Athens Charter [2]. These documents emphasize the need to create new systems of participation and to increase the involvement of citizens and various groups of city dwellers in local decision-making processes. The importance of social participation for local development is strongly emphasized in strategic documents on the development and future of Polish towns and cities They include the National Urban Policy 2023, which states: “Residents’ involvement in various areas of city life is becoming increasingly common in Poland.

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