Potentials of Employing Digital Technologies to Enhance Multi-Sensory Experiences in Open Public Spaces in Bahrain

Abstract

The emergence of digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and the Internet of Things (IoT) offers potential to improve multisensory experiences in open public spaces, moving beyond visual dominance to support richer social interaction and greater user comfort. While applied globally, this approach remains underexplored in Bahrain. The research employed a qualitative approach, examining related literature and international and regional case studies to explore how these tools could be used in the context of Bahrain. It proposes potential applications of these tools within three key areas: Environmental control, User engagement, and Cultural preservation. Moreover, it identifies critical implementation challenges, including climate adaptation and digital accessibility. The research provides a structured framework for integrating digital technologies to create meaningful, context-sensitive experiences in Bahrain’s public realms, offering practical insights for policymakers and designers in similar regional contexts.