Client:
The Gol Shahr AR App was developed by PARS SAWA in collaboration with the Mashhad Urban Beautification Organization.
The goal was to bridge technology, art, and tourism by making the city’s urban sculptures and artistic landmarks interactive through Augmented Reality (AR).
This project represents the first AR-based urban element application in Mashhad, designed to enhance public engagement with the city’s artistic and cultural identity.
Problem:
Urban sculptures and artistic installations are often displayed without sufficient context or interpretation.
As a result, citizens and visitors may not fully understand the meaning, background, or story behind these artworks.
The main challenge was to transform the static experience of observing city elements into an interactive, educational, and digital journey—without disrupting the aesthetic and public nature of these urban spaces.
Process:
The PARS SAWA creative and technical team, in partnership with art and urban design consultants, selected several significant sculptures and urban landmarks across Mashhad.
For each element, custom 3D characters and animations were created, which come to life through Augmented Reality when viewed via the Gol Shahr app.
When users point their smartphone camera at a sculpture or landmark, an AR-based 3D model or animation appears in real-time, enriching their understanding of the artwork.
Additional features were integrated into the app to enhance user experience:
· Viewing AR and 360° videos of each landmark
· Accessing Google Maps navigation to locate the artworks
· Watching teasers and promotional videos related to urban art projects
· Experiencing a virtual educational tour with interactive guidance
The app was designed with a simple and intuitive interface, allowing users to explore all features with just a few taps.
Solution:
The result was the Gol Shahr AR App—an innovative urban experience that brings public art to life through technology.
By merging AR visuals with real-world locations, the app transforms ordinary city walks into immersive, educational, and entertaining journeys.
Users can view 3D animations over real sculptures, explore 360° videos, watch teasers, and navigate between sites through Google Maps.
The Gol Shahr project marks a new step toward smart cultural tourism and digital urban design, demonstrating how Augmented Reality can connect people to the hidden stories and creative spirit within their city’s public spaces.