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Conserving historic buildings is essential for transmitting cultural heritage to future generations, but achieving energy efficiency remains a significant challenge. Augmented Reality (AR) offers an innovative approach to conserving historic buildings by integrating energy efficiency improvements into building physics and restoration. AR supports decision-making by overlaying virtual elements onto physical environments, allowing real-time visualization of energy interventions and their impacts. In Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), AR aligns energy performance metrics with the physical realities of historical buildings, enabling pre-analysis of energy strategies to optimize performance while conserving building authenticity. This chapter systematically examines the role of AR in the energy performance and retrofit processes of historical buildings, using research from major databases. Additionally, analyses were interpreted and future studies suggested by Artificial Intelligence (AI). It highlights AR's potential to contribute to energy efficiency, offering a novel approach to the sustainable conservation of cultural heritage.
Faculty of Design and Architecture, Konya Technical University, Konya, Turkiye
Erdem Köymen
Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Istanbul, Turkiye
Enes Yaşa
Faculty of Architecture, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkiye
*Address all correspondence to: msenalp@ktun.edu.tr
1. Introduction
Rapid advances in modern information technology have created a strong demand for innovative human-computer interfaces. Unlike Virtual Reality (VR), which places users entirely within a digital world [1], Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital elements onto the real environment, enhancing perception without isolating users from their surroundings [2]. Since the 2010s, AR’s combination with VR and 3D reconstruction technologies has significantly broadened its applications. Despite these developments, substantial challenges remain, particularly in accurately modeling complex environments and achieving real-time mapping [3], technical implementation, screen-time management, and ensuring intuitive usability, all crucial for AR’s long-term sustainability [4].
AR, accessed primarily through mobile apps or specialized glasses, has become widely adopted in presenting historical monuments to broader audiences [5]. It promotes deeper engagement with architectural heritage by providing immersive, multisensory experiences involving sight, hearing, and touch [6]. Moreover, AR supports Building Information Modelling (BIM) by visually overlaying digitally stored building information directly onto physical settings [7]. Development of VR and AR technologies is necessary to utilize BIM models and datasets in areas such as operational training, technical tool development, and entertainment [8]. Importantly, AR and VR have been identified as highly beneficial tools for promoting public awareness and enhancing understanding of cultural heritage [9, 10]. These technologies effectively illustrate historical functions, architectural details, structural features, and traditional construction methods, thereby supporting informed restoration and conservation decisions [11].
Visitors can interact dynamically with historical buildings via AR’s engaging and informative content, providing valuable context that enriches the visitor experience [12]. This interactivity especially benefits lesser-known heritage sites [13], creating emotional connections between visitors and cultural heritage [4, 14, 15, 16]. Furthermore, converting heritage data into Historical Building Information Modelling (HBIM) systems facilitates dynamic and extensive data collection. When made accessible as open-source platforms under appropriate legal frameworks, HBIM promotes wider use and collaboration among researchers and professionals [17]. AR plays a pivotal role in heritage conservation by improving maintenance processes and enabling more effective data sharing [18]. For instance, an AR system developed by Jalilzadehazhari and Kurkinen [19] revealed hidden structural elements, significantly reducing costs and time during energy renovation processes.
Additionally, AR enriches digital models with environmental data, supporting designers in optimizing building energy performance. By visualizing HBIM-derived energy data, AR raises awareness of historical buildings' energy performance and provides critical insights necessary for targeted improvements, ultimately promoting energy efficiency and sustainable environmental management [20]. Thus, AR uniquely bridges cultural heritage conservation with energy efficiency objectives, facilitating innovative solutions that respect historical authenticity. The following subsection outlines the objectives and scope of this study, defining the research questions and methodological approach guiding subsequent analyses.
1.1 Objectives and scope of the study
This subsection defines the role of AR technologies in improving energy efficiency in historical buildings while simultaneously preserving their cultural value. Specifically, it outlines how AR can practically contribute to reducing energy consumption and describes the methodologies that support these contributions. Energy consumption remains a critical challenge in buildings, particularly within historical structures where interventions must respect heritage authenticity. Monitoring energy usage, enhancing efficiency, and developing tailored energy-saving strategies are thus essential. However, historical buildings present unique constraints, often restricting interventions to non-destructive methods. Digital technologies, including AR and VR, are increasingly utilized as effective, non-invasive tools to address these limitations. This chapter systematically examines AR’s potential for improving energy efficiency in historical buildings, exploring how AR technologies can be effectively applied to heritage contexts. It further highlights practical opportunities, identifies limitations, and provides detailed recommendations for future research directions. By defining theoretical objectives, practical applications, and methodological boundaries, this subsection establishes a framework that guides subsequent analyses. Following this clarification of the study’s objectives, the next section will explore how AR technologies are specifically utilized within historical buildings, providing concrete examples of their practical implementation in cultural heritage contexts.
1.2 AR technologies in heritage buildings
AR technologies are increasingly being utilized in applications aimed at conserving and promoting cultural heritage. This subsection outlines AR’s contributions to archival documentation, restoration processes, and interactive presentations of historical buildings, providing relevant examples and practical frameworks. AR’s realistic visualization capabilities and user-friendly interfaces make it an especially valuable tool for effectively conserving and disseminating cultural heritage [21, 22, 23]. By overlaying virtual information onto physical environments, AR creates interactive experiences that surpass traditional static digital documentation methods [24]. This immersive quality is particularly valuable in interpreting architectural details, historical contexts, and spatial relationships within heritage sites [25].
AR integrates modern technological advances with historical contexts by overlaying cultural and architectural information onto real-world settings. Consequently, users can explore cities, neighborhoods, and individual historical buildings interactively and comprehensively [26, 27, 28]. Recent developments in wireless connectivity, sensor technology, and cloud computing have significantly popularized mobile AR, making it accessible and practical for educational purposes, digital preservation [29], and tourism activities [30, 31]. For instance, museum visitors’ experiences are greatly enriched through AR’s combination of historical data, architectural features, and past social contexts presented through engaging storytelling methods [32]. Moreover, AR uncovers structural details typically inaccessible during conventional visits, adding significant value to the visitor experience (Figure 1) [33, 34]. In sensitive historical areas, AR effectively helps manage visual impacts and public perception [35], while also expanding opportunities for cultural heritage promotion and related creative industries, such as gaming and educational platforms [36].
Furthermore, AR can digitally reconstruct structures affected by natural disasters, fires, or wars [6, 37]. A notable example is the virtual tour created for Notre Dame Cathedral following a major fire, which provided visitors a meaningful experience while promoting energy conservation and reducing environmental impacts (Figure 2) [39]. AR-based solutions also maintain public access during situations such as pandemics, allowing continued engagement with heritage sites through digital means [40].
AR and VR technologies also significantly improve accessibility to cultural heritage, particularly for individuals with disabilities, elderly visitors [15], and younger audiences [41, 42]. Gamified AR scenarios and educational projects enable exploration of tangible and intangible heritage dimensions, creating engaging and meaningful learning pathways (Figure 3) [44]. Although some research notes hesitation among older users [45], broader evidence shows that connecting AR with VR creates effective ways to make heritage accessible, engaging, and comprehensible to diverse audiences [46]. AR cannot fully replace physical visits or direct human interactions, but it effectively enhances these experiences by seamlessly presenting digital information within the actual environment (Figure 4).
Figure 3.
Images related to the application developed by Dionisio and Nisi [43].
To summarize, AR enhances cultural heritage through interactive experiences and supports maintenance and restoration processes. The next subsection will explore its role in improving energy efficiency in historical buildings and its impact on energy conservation and sustainability. It should be emphasized that AR technology is not confined solely to visual elements but can also integrate auditory and multimodal layers (e.g., auralization), thereby offering a more immersive experience. This capability enables both the in-depth analysis of acoustic performance in historic buildings and the digital recreation of original auditory features, thus enhancing the overall heritage experience.
1.3 Energy efficiency in heritage buildings
Historical buildings often cannot fully benefit from modern energy-saving solutions due to the critical need to conserve their original architectural character. This section evaluates both passive and active energy efficiency strategies, examining how these methods align with international standards and conservation principles. Energy performance in buildings involves optimizing energy use while minimizing environmental impacts (Figure 5). In historical structures, lower energy efficiency primarily results from poor insulation properties of traditional building materials and reliance on outdated mechanical systems. These issues not only elevate energy consumption but also create challenges in maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures. Given the necessity of preserving authenticity, energy efficiency measures must be carefully planned and implemented through non-invasive interventions.
Figure 5.
Energy transmission process in HVAC-equipped buildings [48].
Energy calculations with this system are performed according to the following equation system [48]:
Q_BSL= Q_Loss- Q_Gain
Q_Loss= Q_Component+ Q_Ventilation
Q_BSL= Building load
Q_Loss=Total heat loss rate
Q_Gain= Total heat gains excluding those from the HVAC system
Q_Component= Heat loss due to building components (e.g.,walls,roof,etc.)
Q_Ventilation= Heat loss caused by the ventilation system
Energy improvements in historical buildings are guided by recognized international standards and frameworks (Table 1). Notably, EN 16883 [54] provides comprehensive guidelines for enhancing energy performance specifically in historic structures, while ASHRAE Guideline 34 [51] outlines essential technical criteria for balancing effective energy management with heritage conservation.
Methodology for energy-performance certification systems
Table 1.
Standards related to energy performance in historical buildings.
Improving energy efficiency usually begins with careful assessments of insulation strategies. Internal insulation methods, when meticulously applied with consideration to moisture management, significantly reduce heat loss [59].
In addition to insulation, passive design approaches play a critical role. Utilizing the inherent thermal mass of historic building material [60], improving natural ventilation [61], employing low-reflectivity glazing, using customizable panel colors [62], and applying shading techniques all contribute to stable indoor temperatures and reduced energy demands. These passive strategies complement active energy solutions, including advanced HVAC systems and renewable technologies like photovoltaic [63] and geothermal energy systems [64]. Accurate energy performance simulations using software tools such as EnergyPlus [65], DesignBuilder [48], and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models [66] facilitate precise predictions and optimization of energy strategies. Historical buildings, however, typically exhibit greater energy losses and air leakages compared to contemporary constructions, highlighting the necessity of targeted interventions.
Considering these challenges, digital modeling tools like HBIM and AR emerge as essential instruments to support and effectively implement energy improvements. The next subsection examines how HBIM and AR are utilized together, creating solutions that enhance cultural heritage conservation while achieving sustainable energy management.
1.4 Historical building information modelling (HBIM) enhanced by augmented reality (AR)
Historical Building Information Modelling (HBIM) involves digitizing historical buildings into detailed databases, whereas AR projects this digital data directly in the field to support decision-making processes. This section explores how combining HBIM and AR technologies enhances efforts in heritage conservation and energy efficiency. Building Information Modelling (BIM) effectively manages all stages of building lifecycle processes from initial planning and operation to ongoing maintenance and restoration [67]. BIM further provides sophisticated simulation and analysis tools for informed decision-making regarding building performance, sustainability, and energy efficiency.
When combined with BIM, Common Data Environments (CDE) centralize data storage, ensuring coordinated management of extensive model-based information and improving data quality [68]. HBIM specifically adapts standard BIM methodologies to historical buildings, creating detailed digital models derived from point cloud data, centralizing cultural heritage documentation, and facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration [69]. Since its introduction in 2009, HBIM has significantly advanced heritage documentation by merging traditional paper-based data with modern digital approaches, becoming an indispensable tool in heritage conservation practices (Figure 6) [71]. However, complex geometries, limited accessibility, and large volumes of heterogeneous data characteristic of historical structures pose significant challenges for precise measurement and digital representation. Although laser scanning and photogrammetry provide detailed documentation [72], harmonizing parametric objects into HBIM remains challenging, often necessitating middleware platforms, possibly enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI), to accelerate accurate model creation and customization [73, 74].
Given the unique features of historical buildings, HBIM models must include customized parametric elements and function as digital twins, storing semantic data on accessible digital platforms [71]. Such comprehensive digitalization enables widespread access and utilization among heritage professionals, accelerating documentation and analysis processes. Digital twin (DT) methodology involves constructing a continuously updated virtual counterpart of a physical structure, enabling real-time monitoring, analysis, and predictive simulation in virtual environments (Figures 7 and 8). Urban digital twin (UDT) technology extends this concept to entire urban areas, providing harmonized models for analyzing and managing urban heritage contexts.
Figure 7.
Schematic representation of digital twin application [75].
Figure 8.
The digital twin platform developed for improving thermal performance serves as an example [76].
Beyond restoration, HBIM supports heritage management through digital documentation, planning [77], pathology analysis, scenario simulations, and archaeological site digitization. Connecting HBIM with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), VR/AR, and academic research further enhances heritage conservation and public awareness [73, 78]. Additionally, AR-integrated drone systems enhance BIM model creation by capturing accurate structural data from difficult-to-access areas (Figure 9). HBIM also enables detailed energy analyses and thematic evaluations [80], such as integrating photovoltaic systems into historical contexts (Figure 10) [81].
HBIM model developed for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) [81].
Although visualization is not HBIM’s primary function, connecting its detailed 3D models with VR, Mixed Reality (MR), and AR enables immersive virtual tours and efficient information dissemination (Figure 11) [82, 83]. The HBIM–AR combination notably improves cultural heritage accessibility [84, 85], facilitating temporal visualizations and incorporating realistic environmental factors such as sun position and shadows for enhanced realism (Figure 12) [87].
Figure 11.
The AR browsing application captures the scene, identifies artifacts, and adds an interaction button to each [16].
Figure 12.
AR implementation process for historical buildings [86].
AR proves especially valuable for digitizing artwork [88], archaeological documentation through photogrammetry [86, 89], and remote visualization of structural deteriorations, greatly benefiting research and conservation [47, 90, 91]. Overlaying digital models onto physical structures, AR identifies problematic areas, suggests restoration solutions [92], and allows users to virtually experience partially destroyed or intangible heritage elements, thereby enriching the understanding of historical contexts [93, 94, 95]. AR also supports investigating and reviving acoustic heritage, as demonstrated in Notre Dame Cathedral, combining visual aesthetics with historically accurate soundscapes to enhance cultural heritage dissemination [96].
Despite these advancements, challenges remain regarding accurately capturing complex geometries, synthesizing semantic data, and managing extensive datasets (Figure 13). Addressing these issues requires interdisciplinary collaboration, standardized HBIM methodologies, AI-supported middleware solutions, and improved data-sharing mechanisms.
Figure 13.
A screenshot of the application running on a tablet with IR (infrared) thermography, as viewed by users [97].
By combining detailed digital documentation with immersive AR visualization, the HBIM–AR connection provides innovative, efficient, and engaging heritage conservation solutions that balance authenticity and contemporary needs (Figures 14–16). Thus, harmonizing HBIM and AR establishes a comprehensive framework for conserving historical buildings and optimizing their energy performance.
Figure 14.
Temperature and relative humidity AR image for modern building [98].
Figure 15.
Image of developed energy performance augmented reality (EPAR) environment: (a) Schematic representation of a thermal bridge at an interior corner of the building environment, (b) Visualization of the thermal bridge in the 3D thermal mesh model, and (c) VRML-based (virtual reality modelling language) CFD model of the same area [99].
Digital technologies increasingly support energy efficiency strategies (e.g., insulation, natural ventilation, HVAC, and renewable energy) in historical buildings. HBIM and AR simplify data collection, analysis, and interventions in buildings with complex geometries and strict conservation requirements. Real-time monitoring using digital twins enables the simultaneous achievement of heritage conservation and energy efficiency goals. The following sections will explore case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of the HBIM and AR combination, guiding future research and establishing best practices.
This chapter reviews applications of AR for enhancing energy performance in historical buildings and employs bibliometric analysis to identify key trends and research gaps. The research methodology comprises three primary components: bibliometric analysis, a detailed literature review, and AI-supported identification of interdisciplinary connections. Initially, a comprehensive search was conducted across scientific databases—including Springer, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus—for publications containing relevant terms such as “Historic Building,” “Historical Building,” “Built Heritage,” “Energy Efficiency,” “Augmented Reality (AR),” and “Human Computer Interaction (HCI)” in titles, abstracts, or keywords. These keywords represent core aspects of this research, specifically addressing historical buildings, energy efficiency, and AR technology applications. Although no time restrictions were applied, the majority of relevant studies date from 2010 onwards, reflecting the novelty of the research topic. All identified studies underwent thorough analysis, and irrelevant or duplicate studies were systematically excluded.
The research process began with a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer software. This analysis visualized keyword co-occurrences to identify frequently studied topics, emerging research themes, and existing gaps. Findings from this step provided an overview of current research dynamics, clarifying areas that require further investigation. The subsequent literature review phase involved an in-depth evaluation of selected publications, examining AR techniques, simulation methodologies, and their specific applications within historical building contexts. This stage critically assessed how AR has been implemented in heritage conservation, energy efficiency assessments, and restoration processes. Additionally, it identified the technical and practical challenges associated with AR adoption, including data accuracy issues, compatibility with existing BIM systems, and other technological constraints.
Considering the emerging nature of this field, an AI-supported analysis further refined the review. Advanced analytical methods identified interdisciplinary connections, highlighted overlapping research contexts, and uncovered additional perspectives. AI analysis particularly helped understand interactions between AR applications, HBIM, energy simulation tools, and sustainability assessments. This step was crucial for recognizing potential synergies between AR technology and energy optimization strategies, providing new perspectives into understudied areas, and highlighting potential directions for future research.
Throughout this structured methodological approach, perspectives extracted from literature review, bibliometric analysis, and AI-supported analyses were systematically documented. These insights informed the subsequent discussion section (Subsection 3.3), structuring a connected narrative on the role and potential of AR within heritage conservation and energy efficiency strategies. By adopting this rigorous and structured research methodology, the chapter assesses existing literature, defines research objectives, and establishes robust suggestions for future investigations.
Initially, a total of 433 papers were identified. After a careful screening process, 420 were excluded due to duplication, methodological limitations, or irrelevance. Among the 13 studies remaining, three directly addressed AR applications in energy analysis within historical buildings. The other ten provided energy-related discussions and recommendations without direct analytical content. These studies, including nine journal articles, three conference papers, and one book chapter, formed the basis for the literature review.
The co-occurrence of keywords in publications was analyzed using the VOSviewer tool (Figure 17). A total of 88 keywords were identified based on indexed keywords. The network graph was created considering keywords that appeared at least once and those with a minimum of two occurrences: frequently used keywords are represented by larger circles, and connection strength is indicated by line thickness. The analysis revealed a high frequency of terms such as “point cloud,” “augmented reality,” and “BIM” alongside keywords like “energy assessment,” “3D data processing,” “artificial intelligence,” “heritage building,” and “laser scanning.” Studies have primarily been conducted since 2018, with most research originating in Italy, followed by China. A co-authorship analysis using VOSviewer identified 55 authors mentioned in articles, with 16 connections detected when a minimum of one article per author was set.
In summary, the bibliometric analysis indicates that the use of AR in the context of energy performance in historical buildings is still a nascent field, yet research in this area has begun. The findings of this analysis reveal that studies in this domain are often conducted in conjunction with HBIM, incorporating laser scanning and AI technologies. Bibliometric analyses have highlighted trends and identified gaps, showing that AR-based energy efficiency research in historical buildings remains limited. Accordingly, the next section will relate the findings derived from the literature to the primary objective of this study, providing an evaluation of the potential of AR technology to enhance energy performance in historical buildings.
3.2 AR in historical buildings according to energy efficiency
Integrating digital technologies, especially AR, is effective for visualizing thermal optimization outcomes, enabling informed decisions in design and heritage conservation [101]. Creating digital twins of historical sites combined with AR enhances user engagement and comprehension [102], notably when visualizing energy simulations and resource efficiency measures through connected HBIM–AR models [39, 101]. Such technologies offer real-time insights into building conditions, significantly aiding sustainability and long-term heritage conservation goals [8].
Beyond analyzing energy interventions, AR offers a highly interactive way to communicate how proposed construction or infrastructure projects may affect historical sites [103]. Its capability to visualize sensor-generated data simplifies building performance assessments and enhances sustainability training [98]. Combined BIM-based platforms with real-time sensor data support AR applications across scales, from individual buildings to extensive archaeological sites, ensuring effective monitoring and energy management (Figure 18) [104].
Figure 18.
Methodologic workflow from Brumana, Stanga, and Banfi [104].
AR significantly contributes to energy performance analysis in historical buildings, particularly through integrating renewable energy systems and increasing user awareness of sustainability, aligning heritage conservation with digitalization. Several studies exemplify these capabilities. Adán et al. [105] explored AR combination with thermal point cloud technologies, while Alazmi and Seo [106] examined AR's visualization potential for temperature analysis in historic contexts. Alva et al. [107] developed urban-scale AR applications that facilitate significant energy savings through optimized LED lighting and solar panel integration, modernizing the energy systems of historical buildings without compromising their heritage value. Additionally, Digital Twin (DT) and Urban Digital Twin (UDT) methods enable the identification of buildings with high carbon emissions, optimizing maintenance cycles, and supporting energy system upgrades while preserving cultural heritage (Figure 19).
Osello et al. [108] combined integrated multiple models (architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and HVAC) using Autodesk Revit, complete with sensor modules for real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, and lighting. Exporting the model in FBX due to geometric complexity, they created a virtual environment accessible via an AR-enabled Android app: scanning a simple QR code allowed users to navigate 3D data effectively (Figure 20). Antonelli et al. [109] conducted experiments and introduced a 5G-based AR system at L’Aquila University, optimizing energy consumption and improving structural monitoring alongside disaster management in heritage contexts.
Figure 20.
Images from the application developed by Osello et al. [108].
Upon examining these case studies, considerable variations emerge in methodologies, software tools, and evaluated parameters (Table 2). Despite these differences, each case highlights AR’s adaptability and significant potential to connect energy efficiency strategies effectively within heritage conservation practices. Table 2 summarizes these diverse approaches, indicating measured parameters and employed software platforms. This analysis provides a foundation for identifying best practices and outlining future research directions. The next subsection further develops research suggestions derived from insights gathered through reviewing existing studies in this evolving field.
3.3 Exploring the interconnections between studies in the context of research
This subsection details the significant suggestions identified in the literature, emphasizing AR technology’s potential for improving energy performance in historical buildings. Using AI-supported analyses, key interdisciplinary intersections, trends, and methodological overlaps in existing literature have been summarized. The resulting research suggestions provide practical strategies and illustrative scenarios, beneficial for both technical teams and restoration specialists involved in heritage conservation and energy performance optimization (Table 3).
Topic
Description
Proposed method
Example application scenarios
Ref.
Visualization and decision support
AR visualization of energy losses (heat, humidity, temperature)
AR-based sensor data visualization and pre-assessment of energy strategies
Thermal imagery overlays on façades highlighting insulation deficiencies
Research topics for energy solutions with AR in historical buildings.
These suggestions demonstrate AR technology’s substantial potential to enhance energy efficiency and heritage conservation in historical buildings. Connecting AR with BIM and digital twin methodologies enables real-time collaboration, remote operation capabilities, and efficient data sharing, supported by platforms like Autodesk BIM 360, Microsoft HoloLens, and Unity Reflect. Specifically, AR visualization capabilities enhance rapid identification of energy inefficiencies, enabling targeted interventions and informed decision-making [105, 108].
Digital twin and HBIM connections within AR environments allow virtual evaluation of potential improvements, optimizing strategies for heritage conservation and energy efficiency [85, 107]. Similarly, passive and active energy solutions benefit significantly from AR simulations, facilitating informed planning decisions for strategies such as natural ventilation, insulation improvements, solar panel installation, and geothermal systems connection [60, 61]. Similarly, in active energy solutions, AR-supported simulations facilitate evaluation of renewable energy systems and HVAC configurations; for example, by virtually testing various solar panel layouts to assess both energy production and architectural compatibility [62, 63]. In data collection and analysis, AR significantly simplifies real-time visualization of sensor measurements, facilitating immediate response and adaptive energy management [108, 109]. Furthermore, AR-based simulation tools enable the pre-assessment of different insulation or retrofitting scenarios to ensure optimal intervention strategies [14, 106].
AR also enhances education and public awareness by providing interactive educational experiences on sustainability within historical contexts [2, 110]. Moreover, AR applications effectively support restoration efforts by allowing non-invasive visualization of energy efficiency measures, ensuring heritage unity and aesthetic compatibility [85, 86]. AR-based simulations also help assess the suitability of renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, ensuring their combination does not detract from the building’s historic appearance [63, 107].
Finally, AR significantly enriches visitor experiences, improving public understanding of historical building sustainability through engaging storytelling, interactive scenarios, and detailed energy simulations [6, 29]. Additionally, AR connection with BIM and digital twins promotes effective stakeholder collaboration and broader community engagement with cultural heritage conservation [26, 102]. These expanded suggestions thus provide a detailed framework for future research and practical implementation, maximizing AR’s potential in conserving historical authenticity and promoting sustainable energy management.
AR technology is increasingly recognized as a valuable tool for digital documentation and the conservation of historical buildings. Although AR applications in building physics and detailed implementation strategies are still evolving, current capabilities already extend beyond basic visualization. Specifically, AR can display real-time thermal performance maps, air quality indicators, and energy consumption data. These features facilitate pre-evaluation of energy-saving interventions, such as insulation improvements or window retrofitting, thereby supporting sustainable energy optimization while conserving architectural authenticity. Combining AR with digital twins and HBIM further improves the accuracy of historical building analysis and restoration processes. Using AR alongside thermal imaging and sensors helps precisely detect energy losses and monitor environmental conditions within heritage structures. Additionally, AR-equipped drone systems effectively map thermal data onto 3D building models, enhancing the accessibility and comprehensiveness of energy assessments.
Within the scope of this study, the relationship between AR and historical buildings is defined, focusing specifically on research evaluating and enhancing energy performance—an area currently underexplored yet holding significant potential for both research and practical applications. Subsequently, all reviewed studies are analyzed to identify their connections with AI, from which research topics are developed, and suggestions for future studies are proposed.
Despite promising developments, the use of AR to enhance energy efficiency in historical buildings remains limited in existing research. Digital methods allowing minimally invasive data collection are essential for identifying optimal energy strategies compatible with heritage conservation. Moreover, AR-based visualizations can significantly improve the aesthetic compatibility of renewable energy solutions, aligning conservation objectives with sustainability standards, such as Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) guidelines. Advances in mobile and pervasive computing have expanded AR’s applications in cultural heritage. Yet, research into lightweight, energy-efficient AR solutions remains underexplored. Future research should emphasize developing energy-conscious AR applications, advanced sensor-fusion techniques, and AI-supported analytics capable of automatically detecting issues and suggesting improvements, for instance, recommending insulation when detecting heat loss. Standardizing AR data-sharing practices across interdisciplinary teams would further streamline workflows. Additionally, creating engaging AR experiences dedicated to sustainability education could effectively enhance public awareness of energy-efficient heritage conservation practices.
In summary, AR technology holds considerable promise for improving energy efficiency and ensuring the sustainable management of historical buildings while maintaining cultural authenticity. Continued research, especially into AR’s connections with digital twins, HBIM, and artificial intelligence, will yield deeper insights, strengthening heritage conservation efforts and expanding the impact of sustainability within cultural heritage management.
In preparing this work, the authors utilized OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4 to review the text, perform literature searches, and enhance its structure. The final version of the publication was reviewed and edited by the authors, who assumed full responsibility for its content.
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Written By
Mihrimah Şenalp, Erdem Köymen and Enes Yaşa
Submitted: 23 January 2025Reviewed: 22 May 2025Published: 08 July 2025
Open access peer-reviewed chapter - ONLINE FIRST
