Design of virtual laneway infrastructure: community activation through augmented reality in underutilized spaces in cities pressured to densify

ABSTRACT This study undertook literature studies, site and precinct analyses, and observations of 34 laneways in Perth, Western Australia. Ownership, proximity to residential, and mass transit public transport, critical node linkages, proportions, surface ‘canvas’ area, and development restrictions were assessed eliciting a suitable location to develop an Augmented Reality architectural placemaking ‘projection’ proposition. The ideation presents iterative design process visualizations within a vernacular ‘place’ setting with localized spatial linkages and functionalities, and does not draw to a definitive solution, but a novel, cost-effective, adaptable, and ‘agile’ method of activating ‘lost spaces’ without permanent structural alteration while retaining their original utility.