Activating the Aesthetics of Environmental Design through Augmented Reality: An Applied Study on Al-Shaab Square in the New Administrative Capital

This research investigates environmental aesthetics as a philosophical and technical framework that redefines the architectural perception of contemporary urban spaces. By integrating cultural identity, sustainability, and interactive urban design, the study highlights augmented reality (AR) as a pivotal tool in enhancing spatial aesthetics. AR is not merely seen as a way to add digital content, but as a transformative medium that reshapes the perceptual and sensory relationship between individuals and their built environment. The central research problem addresses a philosophical question: Can environmental aesthetics—when supported by digital technologies like AR—serve as a proactive driver of urban design, rather than simply an outcome? This inquiry becomes critical in the face of rapid urban development and social-technological shifts, where the risk of superficial beautification and visual overload threatens the depth and meaning of public space design. The study aims to explore frameworks that integrate aesthetic, environmental, and cultural-symbolic values using AR to promote sensory comfort, cultural belonging, and spatial sustainability. Its significance lies in presenting an integrative vision that bridges aesthetic philosophy and digital design, offering a contemporary approach to urban spaces that balances innovation with authenticity. A descriptive-analytical methodology is applied, drawing from literature reviews and case study analysis—most notably the practical implementation in Al-Shaab Square, New Administrative Capital of Egypt. Findings demonstrate that AR can enrich public spaces by enhancing user engagement, activating cultural memory, and contributing to the long-term visual, emotional, and functional sustainability of the urban environment.