Enhancing Urban Vitality through Interactive XR Installations: Fostering Engagement and Environmental Awareness

Urban environments are essential to contemporary life, and their vitality is increasingly tied to the sustainability of the spaces they encompass. This research explores how interactive phygital installations in urban public spaces can enhance environmental awareness and foster active participation in sustainability practices. By integrating Extended Reality (XR) technology with physical recycling systems, these installations transform ordinary recycling tasks into engaging and educational experiences. Designed to encourage participation through recyclable plastic bottles, the installations gamify the recycling process, linking individual actions to broader environmental goals. Through a series of case studies, the findings demonstrate how these installations not only raise awareness of environmental issues but also strengthen connections between individuals and their urban environments, contributing to both urban vitality and sustainability. The paper provides a theoretical framework for integrating immersive technologies into urban design, showing how these interactive installations can enhance environmental stewardship and increase public engagement in sustainability efforts