Augmented Reality Using Cuboid Tracking as a support for Early Stages of Architectural Design

Augmented Reality (AR) has the potential to alter the elaboration of architectural design, which relates to the cognition of representation, visualization, and perception. From the earliest stages of design, the study of relationships, zoning, and overall dimensions of the forms according to user needs is required and carried out using graphic representations where basic geometries are more important than structured ones. Several structured methods for design briefing exist. However, the importance and originality of this study are that it explores a new approach for such a phase coupling the acquired knowledge of traditional methods, contemporary technology and the positive evidence of working with 3D virtual models. The goal of our article was to develop an AR app using a three-dimensional marker inspired by the Rubik’s Cube app and evaluate its performance. This is part of a bigger pursuit towards developing an AR app to be used for internal design consultation by architects, to support early stages of architectural design. We used the concept of patterns by Alexander et al. (1977) to outline the geometric forms and associations used. Applying the Design Science Research methodology, an AR application was developed in Unity Engine with Vuforia SDK and tested via smartphone. This proposal intended to offer a tool that allowed interactions with a physical marker to visualize different combinations of features. The tool's functionality was assessed by verifying the readability and precision of the reconfigurable 3D marker. The results indicated a low level of hits achieved when tracking the cuboid. To use AR in the early stages of architectural design, first, the system must provide consistent information and appropriate feedback. Nevertheless, from our framework, we conclude that it sets the ground for looking deep into AR tools for briefing design.