## 6 Conclusions  
This paper discussed the potential of AR technologies as tools for presenting and evaluating artworks in public spaces, specifically from the perspective of user engagement and immersion with AR content. The objectives of this research were to examine engagement with virtual artworks and the perception of sculptures in public spaces through the application of AR and to determine whether significant differences exist in the level of immersion between digital sculptures (those that exist solely in virtual space) and digitized sculptures (those that also exist in physical form), as well as between figurative and abstract art. The results indicate several key findings:  
1. The findings confirm that AR technologies offer a practical and efficient approach for assessing both the level of immersion and the qualitative attributes of artistic content, as evidenced by a high degree of user engagement. The high level of engagement with AR demonstrated the potential of the AR application to enhance public spaces by integrating them with virtual artworks. In terms of practical ramifications for urban architecture, perception, revitalization and public art, AR technologies could revolutionize how we interact with public spaces and artworks. For example, AR could offer dynamic, site-specific art installations that adapt to environmental changes or user interaction. By superimposing digital art over existing structures, AR could offer new layers of artistic expression in urban spaces, enhancing the aesthetic value of the city while also fostering deeper emotional connections between the public and the artwork. Moreover, AR can facilitate more inclusive and participatory art evaluations, where diverse groups of people engage with and influence how art is perceived and presented in public spaces. However, factors such as visual clutter, potential technical issues like connectivity or hardware limitations, and the risk of disrupting the character or historical integrity of public spaces must be carefully considered. AR's success in public art also depends on how well it integrates with the urban environment. Collaboration between urban planners, architects, and digital artists is essential to ensure that AR complements the physical space, providing interactive and immersive experiences for the public. Figure 7: Results indicating the three most preferred sculptures. 2. Significant differences were observed in the evaluation and level of immersion between digitized and digital sculptures, as well as between figurative and abstract art representations. Digitized sculptures, which exist both in virtual and physical space, induced stronger emotional reactions and achieved higher levels of immersion among participants compared to purely digital sculptures. This finding highlights the importance of visual realism, as well as design and context, in shaping user perceptions and the overall outcomes of the AR experience. The distinction between digital and digitized sculptures revealed that, while digital sculptures can provide immersive and creative experiences, digitized models, due to their tactile realism derived from their materialization in a physical space, foster stronger emotional connections and integrate more seamlessly into the AR environment. Additionally, the research indicated that users preferred figurative, naturalistic, and lifelike designs over minimalist and abstract art representations, particularly within the real-world outdoor AR context. The preference for digitized sculptures with figurative representations suggests that decision-makers can consider more immersive public art experiences by incorporating these elements. The impact of digital and digitized sculptures on user perceptions in AR underscores the importance of aligning design approaches with user expectations and the immersive potential of realism. Future research could further explore how users interpret and engage with these two types of sculptures, providing valuable insights for optimizing their integration into AR environments.