Reimagining Cultural Heritage Site: Integrating Augmented Reality for Immersive Heritage and User Engagement

A user-centered framework for integrating augmented reality (AR) into UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Hwaseong Fortress in South Korea, demonstrates that context-aware AR can significantly enhance visitor engagement and historical understanding without compromising cultural integrity. The study found that narrative-driven, low-intrusion AR interventions—including interactive holograms and ambient sensory elements—improved emotional connection to the site while maintaining its authenticity. Through exploratory design research, including site observations, visitor interviews, and prototyping, the authors identified key principles for balancing technological innovation with cultural preservation. These include spatial integrity, narrative clarity, and intuitive user experience, offering a transferable model for other heritage sites seeking to leverage AR for immersive storytelling.

Mallick, A., & Park, E. J. (2026). Reimagining Cultural Heritage Site: Integrating Augmented Reality for Immersive Heritage and User Engagement. Architectural Research, 28(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44515-026-00017-x