Research Project FlowAR Innovation Competition NEXT.IN.NRW
Projection Mapping

Flourishing of collective creativity in communities operating in both physical and digital spaces through the creation of immersive augmented reality objects (flowAR)

The interdisciplinary research and development project flowAR explores how immersive technologies like augmented reality (AR) can reimagine collaborative art installations in nature-based contexts. FlowAR takes a user-centered approach, investigating the conditions under which digital and physical communities participate in co-creative processes, what motivates them to remain engaged long-term, and how these processes can be effectively supported by digital tools. Over the course of the project (June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2028), a user-friendly AR authoring tool will be developed, enabling users and communities to contribute their own creative ideas to immersive art installations. The goal is to create new forms of participatory art in public spaces – accessible, inclusive, and ecologically conscious. TNL GmbH is involved in the flowAR project, working on the conception, development, and implementation of the interactive applications and art installations. The application of flowAR will take place within the framework of the International Garden Exhibition 2027 (IGA2027) in the Ruhr metropolitan region. A publicly accessible AR art installation will be created in the Future Garden, to which communities will contribute their own artwork. These contributions will be created using mobile devices and brought to life on-site with the help of modern AR technology – locally rooted and digitally enhanced. flowAR is being realized in collaboration with several project partners under the leadership of the Chair of Digital Transformation at TU Dortmund University. The flowAR project is being developed in cooperation with: TU Dortmund University, Chair of Digital Transformation University of Duisburg-Essen, Chair of Interactive Systems Northdocks GmbH IGA Metropole Ruhr 2027 gGmbH Digital Culture at the Dortmunder U