The plan_bar, a comprehensive concept of a mobile showroom and augmented reality phone app, is devised for easy access for citizens. It directly links the project to the site and its surroundings, while generating publicity for the project, the architecture competition itself and sparking interest in participating.

The mobile showroom tours between the construction site and space of congregations nearby for the affected citizens, e.g. weekly markets or festivals sites, and provides a space for exchange and communication with each other. The access is further facilitated through opening hours in the late afternoon or evening and weekends in a relaxed atmosphere, encouraging spontaneous participation and social interaction. Inside the mobile showroom an urban model of the area, providing tangibility, is set-up and a QR code is provided for downloading the augmented reality app. The AR app, with a game-like experience, shows the different designs of the architecture competition, augmented on top of an image on the model. It adds information of the same aspects for optimal comparison.

The information and level of complexity is tailored according to chosen view point, e.g. neighbour or investor, for appropriate visualisation categories, e.g. facade, shade simulations and greenery. Quick switches between designs and their visualisation categories, with an intuitive star rating, allow for the whole participation to take a maximum amount of 15 minutes minimising the time the user needs to invest. Commenting with spatial comments showcases the view point and perspective of the commentator on the augmented models and thus, maximises the quality of feedback and indicating discussion points. The final submission of the rating and commenting is finalised by an overall review of the different designs. The collected data from the public participation is optimised under the backdrop of age range, place of residence in relation to the project site, and profession.

For this proof-of-concept prototype of the university project, the ‘Konzerthaus’ and its different designs were used as a case study and reference within the visualisations.