FUTURISTIC TECHNOLOGY IN ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING - AUGMENTED AND VIRTUAL REALITY: AN OVERVIEW

International Journal on Soft Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Applications (IJSCAI), Vol.10, No.1,
February 2021
DOI :10.5121/ijscai.2021.10101 1
FUTURISTIC TECHNOLOGY IN ARCHITECTURE &
PLANNING - AUGMENTED AND VIRTUAL REALITY:
AN OVERVIEW
Pearl Jishtu 1
and Madhura A Yadav2
1
Student of Fifth year School of Architecture & Design, Manipal University Jaipur
DehmiKalan, Off Jaipur-Ajmer Expressway, Jaipur - 303 007, Rajasthan, India
2
Professor Manipal University Jaipur DehmiKalan, Off Jaipur-Ajmer Expressway, Jaipur
– 303 007, Rajasthan, India
ABSTRACT
Speed has become a way of life. We are asymptotically piling data. Speed can be achieved with new design
processes, techniques, and Technology. Innovations AR and VR are just some of the many forms of
technologies that will play a key role in shaping the Architecture and Planning of tomorrow, making it
future-ready and ushering in a new age of innovation. AR and VR in Architecture & Planning were
introduced as assisting tools and has helped generate multiple design options, expanded possibilities of
visualization, and provided us with more enhanced, detailed, and specific experience in real-time; enabling
us to see the resultsof work on hand well before the commencement of the project. These tools are further
developed for city development decisions, helping citizens interact with local authorities, access public
services, and plan their commute. After reviewing multiple research papers, it had been observed that each
one is moving forward with the changes brought by it, without entirely understanding its role. This paper
provides a summary of theappliance of AR & VR in architecture and planning.
KEYWORDS
Virtual reality (VR), Augmented reality (AR), Architecture, Urban Design, Human Computer Interface
(HCI).
1. INTRODUCTION
The process architecture and urban design reckon on including data collection and analysis,
design decision, visualization, and evaluation. For all these stages, collaboration and immersion
are other steps enabled with AR's introduction to analyze and achieve the best design outcome
efficiently. Some of these processes are already in the application. The utilization of this
simulation for client-professional design communication is one aspect. However, now it’s also
being evolved for multiple other applications like public involvement in design decisions, for
better ideation by students in the field of design, and improved analysis for policymakers. A
study of various research papers was conducted and summarized to review and analyze simulated
or algorithmic tools' current developments. The papers cover diverse topics under theory,
concept, systems, tools, applications, and implications.
2. METHODOLOGY
The research paper summarizes the utilization of AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual
Reality) in the field of architecture and urban design, for an in-depth understanding of the

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potentials and challenges of the technology. The research's main objective is to record the
progress of these tools with a perspective specific to the design field and to understand its diverse
applications. Various research papers on the subject compiled the information cited, of various
scholars, published in conferences and readily available on the research websites. The keywords
were used to search for the subject related papers and were then studied for a better
understanding of the same.
3. LITERATURE STUDY
(Seichter et al. 2005) [5] Elaborated research for a better immersive and collaborative means by
introducing the Human-Computer interface, they see the need for collaboration between the real-
time and virtual designs in a better collaboration for increased performances. 'Sense of presence'
is discussed regarding it as a vital aspect of urban design. The importance and methods of
immersion are discussed, though the impact of these immersions is not known. The term
Phenomenology is introduced and discussed in regards to Human-Computer Interfaces (HCI) and
urban design. Phenomenology- the principle of empirical observation on events based on
different theories but cannot be directly explained, as per various theories that have been put forth
by Husserl and Gibson (1931) [1], Schutz and Northwestern University (1967) [2], and Norman
(1988) [3], about the connection between perceivably real and virtual objects. Discussing the
intangible connections between real and virtual objects to establish a conscious sense of presence.
(i) Human-Computer Interfaces (HCI), of which AR and VR are the main components, having
greater scope in the field of urban design and architecture (Frazer et al. 1980)[4]. They expand
the horizon of workability and expression by bringing the real and virtual together in one
interface compared to the limited experience of the physical models. Their inherent physical
nature makes them easy to understand by the layman and the experts alike, although some
technical issues still exist in the system's dynamic nature. However, AR offers a spread of
opportunities where urban design can gain from the intersection of both the real and virtual
realms. (ii) Collaboration and cognition being vital in urban designing, invoke the utilization of
immersive technology and perceptible interlinking. (iii) Cognition is the ability to comprehend
and create a comparison amongst the available data through analysis. This enhances the design
understanding and its relationship within the urban context; site-specific contexts are better
recognized, and various options can be investigated in no time. As AR permits a blending of
virtual entities with the real environment, it can increase the comprehension of the design
proposal. (iv) The students and teachers explore innovation- Dynamic and spatial relationships in
theory and practice to identify how they can help create and communicate during the initial
design ideas by employing AR. Designers gain a more complex understanding of their design
relationships and engage in a richer communication with their partners. AR contributes to urban
design in an innovative approach, thus enabling new sorts of design expressions.
(Sørensen, 2006) [6] States that Augmented Reality (AR) is a mediating tool to design ideas
between the design and a person. The paper provides us with a report on the AR system
components, wherein he discusses the technological and physical challenges that might arise
during the onsite applications. The possible positive implications of the successful application of
the system are discussed. Moreover, the areas that require improvements and research are
identified for future research. The paper is an excellent source of information for the practical
application and the various components required for the conduct. AR in principal; (i) To overlay
data in real-time, the position registration system is required for geo-location of the 3D model or
the contextual site. For interiors, infrared, ultrasound systems, or graphical markers system are
explored with limited installation time, while in the exterior application includes a differential
GPS, (ii) User's angle of view and his position requires an orientation registration system. The
limitations include slow data processing, lagging results and inaccuracies in reading data, leading

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to disproportionate models in the surrounding, and (iii) Display device – there are multiple
viewing options, one of them being a headset currently has two different systems of operating.
One consists of a transparent screen with the model visual, and in the other, the surrounding
images are fed to the AR system without the transparent screen. The paper concludes with an
analysis of certain limitations of AR Systems in Architecture and Urban Design; poor
visualization due to minor reception of the system's markers, caused by the sun glare, while
dynamic AR error has been noted with the receptiveness of visual markers. AR promises to
induce new insights in architectural learning, introducing the students to new parameters that will
enable them to immerse in their designs virtually. This will enable them to study alternatives at
different abstraction levels, thus contributing in a better way to the earlier design phases.
Dynamic models and collaborative systems will broaden the scope, making it possible to change
proposed structures or models in AR, and one could now experience the simulation of changes in
physical conditions, animate, being able to visualize pollution, noise, etc.
(Döllner et al. 2006) [7] Discusses the importance and methods of gathering geo-data information
for urban planning and redevelopment. Various standards are mentioned along with the software
LandXplorer that was released during 2005. The paper provides an insight into different data
visualization techniques while representing geo-information structures on 3D city models.
Integrated comprehensive systems like virtual city 3D models are utilized to derive diverse urban
space information. The application of this standardized model is discussed in various fields that
require the visual representation of the urban environment. It is a virtual representation of the
building, vegetation models, roads/transportation systems and terrain aiming to incorporate;
(i) Cadastral data - delivers footprints of land ownership, ownership status and buildings,
(ii) Digital terrain model and photo visualization, (iii) 3D Building model geometry captured by
laser-scanning and photogrammetry based methods, and (iv) and historical references with
architectural elements. A standardized system for creating these models does not exist, but some
of the systems in use include CityGML, 3D Studio Max object files and VRML files, ESRI
Shapefiles. This collaborative tool is a great support system for design decision making and
covers functionality like managing, integrating, and distributing complex geoinformation
supporting a consistent communication metaphor, the virtual 3D city model. These functions are
then further divided into sub-systems for content authoring, editing, storing, and presentation
extendible 3D city model system. Besides, the automated mapping of 2D landscape plans and
architectural plans to 3D virtual environments based on a heuristic-algorithm approach is
investigated.
(Seichter, 2007) [8] Discusses a wide range of aspects in regard to AR and VR for the field of
design, he introduces multiple visualizations for architecture and elaborates tangible user
interfaces. The observations suggested that new techniques and tools to understand the inter-
spatial relation better are beneficial for design, with a better and effective output. The co-located
collaborative design process was explored using 3D models and AR tools, while user response
was collected with experiments in the field of physical design engagement, communication and
the concept of presence. Factors of directness and tangibility of the user input device helped
distinguish two experimental conditions. The observations suggested that new techniques and
tools to understand the inter-spatial relation better are beneficial for design, with a better and
effective output. Novel methods like the TUI have been adopted to link bridges between
virtuality and Reality. This investigation provides scope as an opportunity for future development
in incorporating such technical interfaces to reach a collaborative setting with consideration for
the presence and human perspective.
(Wang, 2009) [9] elaborates on the multiple software/hardware and their various applications and
challenges, specifically in architecture and design. The paper shifts the perspective of the AR and

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VR to be developed or researched for a designer. The relation between MR (Mixed Reality), VR
(Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) is discussed, while further elaborating upon their
applications, challenges and potentials in the field of design. Hardware and software are
discussed for the various stages of design regarding their current application; Sketchhand+, AR
CAD (Augmented Reality Computer-Aided Design), Benchworks, ARTHUR, BUILD IT,
MRCVE (Mixed Reality-based Collaborative Virtual Environment), Studierstube and
TINMITH2. A lot of research and development has been made in AR and VR simulations, but
for specific applications like urban design and architecture, the field is yet to be explored in
detail. Leading causes of this domain stagnation include (i) due to unavailability of well
organized integrated and immersive 3D database of mechanical services, lack of industrial
domain knowledge, (ii) creating a definitive reality model, and (iii) the robustness and the
accuracy of the tracking systems. Since the system is not very specific and flexible in current use
and needs a pre-analysis of the environment. The future robust AR aims to have a system that
could work in unstructured indoor and outdoor environments.
(Abboud, 2014) [10] His research is a holistic compilation of the opportunities created by AR's
involvement throughout the various design stages in architecture, i.e. Design, Construction and
Post Completion. It discusses the challenges and the solutions to overcome them by increasing
portability, improving geo-locating, etc. The paper discusses all of these under an organized
format and thus accessing the information becomes methodical and logical in an efficient way. A
wide range of toolsets generates AR and VR simulations, out of which the mobile augmented
reality (MAR) is widely explored. MAR system covers diverse applications in vital stages of a
project; design, during construction and post-construction. These include (i) initial design
decisions or interactions with consultants, clients and designers, (ii) overlaying BIM data, to
avoid any later stage accidents, to guide through types of equipment and direct to safety zones in
case of an emergency. It Labours can be aided with intricate work with in-situ visual assistance.
Project management can be overseen with an onsite model, with data of work progress, and (iii)
Post-Completion the facilities to maintain the building structure can take the aid of the
augmented system to locate the services and facilitate the maintenance requirements. However,
these MAR applications face technological, social and financial issues which need to be resolved
before moving forward. Tracking systems need to be evolved and specific for locating services;
specialists will have to train the workers with these systems, and new protocols will have to be
implemented for maximum efficiency.
(Seichter, 2020) [11] Discusses the challenges and scopes faced by the technology of creating
large-scale digital models for urban design and elaborates majorly with the Benchmarks and
toolkit utilization. The diverse applications are elaborated in detail while describing the
components of the software system. The paper is great for wanting to explore the working of
Benchworks. Visualization of the urban data is explored beyond while incorporating the tangible
and non-tangible features essential to understanding human interaction in an urban space. The
interaction techniques and technologies incorporate the significant contribution of BenchWorks
that is collaborative and immersive AR-enabled working environment. BenchWorks is
developing the tools and technologies to provide an immersive AR experience specifically for
Urban Design data collection and analysis. Their Benchmark sketchbook+ has turned out to be a
handy tool for the initial design decision making process.
ARToolKit[12] Provides an easy way to create input devices that do not rely on wires and are,
therefore, more convenient in a multi-user setup. The magnet track provides higher precision for
head orientation and provides a more stable augmented vision. Significant benefits for this early
prototype are combined: the precision of a magnetic tracking system and the freedom of tangible
interfaces overcome occlusion within the scene.

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Shared Tangible City –The choice and combination of media play a vital role in investigating
space and, subsequently, architecture. BenchWorks goes beyond that, creating a toolkit for
investigating a site's spatial feature dynamically in a setting with local and remote collaboration
capabilities. In BenchWorks, the user can design by representing the city's void and non-void
spaces, adding volumes and making notes; the interaction is tight-knit with tangible interfaces.
The toolkit uses two different tools: toolbox and the modifiers represented by pens and the
sponge.
(Kim et al. 2011) [13] The paper throws light on the progress of research and implementation of
the AR applications in design. The authors summarise the research conducted during the period
2005 – 20011, providing us with the holistic development of AR, wherein it discusses the domain
knowledge and human factor consideration in the tools. Provides us with an introduction to
shared learning as an essential part in urban design, where students are conversant in syntax and
grammar. To understand complex relationships, spatial and dynamic use of AR is employed,
which helps people understand urban issues in a new and creative way. AR conceptualization
provided with an in-depth understanding of the modelling and algorithmic framework adopted
and the challenges faced due to sun glare (Chung et al. 2009) [14], temporary lags created in the
systems (Wang and Dunston 2005) [15], heavy equipment (Santos et al. 2007; Chung et al. 2009)
[16][14] and therefore the human factor. These concepts and ideas implemented with hardware or
software tools that have their challenges like(i) the human interaction is not very experiential, (ii)
potential use of agent-based is yet to be explored (Belcher and Johnson 2008)[17], and (iii)
portability of the entire system is still a substantial limitation. While evaluating the whole system
for quality and productivity through quantitative survey, cognitive and effective workability were
the common issues. Even though many literature surveys and practical studies have been done on
this subject, a wide range of industrial adoption was still lacking. This was mainly due to the
expensive and bulky toolkits that were not explicitly designed for the design field.
(Schubert et al. 2015) [18] The paper discusses the possible interactive advancements that AR
and VR tools can bring, and how their involvement could create better immersive communication
among the designers and other users. It emphasizes connecting the two worlds the physical and
the digital Design Communication in the form of 2D drawings and details is only comprehendible
by the professionals in the field, but not the clients or the laymen constructing the structure.
Design decision making at the initial stages becomes easier with illustration drawings which are
currently used in the digital format. Now, with the intervention of AR and VR systems it would
bring better results. The idea would be to simulate the master plan or the building geometry on a
tabletop VR or could also be augmented on the site via headset. The two design components
discussed are the collaborative design platform and the onsite AR-applications. The second is
discussed based on its potential to grow and evolve, as it is bound to make specific processes of
design better.
(Thabet, 2002, updated 2015) [19] The paper discusses the possible prospects of AR involvement
in the stage of construction and management, not only to communicate with the skilled labourers
but also to get a daily progress report and monitor the working on the site to avoid any deadly
accidents. The foremost significant benefit of VR is that the clients can rehearse a building's
design experiencing the finished product as if they were in the actual space and the flaws within
the designs can also be detected easily. Specific concerns raised were, (i) use of 3D and VR are
often beneficial as long as used early at the conceptual design process, (ii) housing developers did
not want to expose users to views from sharp unrealistic angles, and (iii) when dealing with local
authorities to avoid exposing the design or construction to other issues where an advanced
visualization must be used with care. The workers can utilize AR to detect hazardous faults and
prevent causalities. Retik and VIRCON are two automated simulations that deal within the

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constructional perspective. The utilization of these tools is to simplify the upcoming intricate
designs.The complete analysis of the structure just in case of calamities could be conducted to
assess the relief shelter within the particular building.
(Milovanovic, 2017) [20] The paper discusses a wide variation of AR and VR are tools that can
be implemented to enhance the ideation process of design, design analysis, presentation and
education. It elaborates a wide range of hardware and software systems in the field of AR and
VR. This study is a holistic view of the digital world's implication in the field of architecture,
which highlighted two aspects of AR and VR design, i.e., interaction and immersion. The initial
part discusses the analysis derived from research papers regarding the development of AR and
VR in the various design processes and its subsequent implementation. It was observed that
maximum research papers were about developing the hardware/software development of the
system, followed by design; however, the applications are very few to date. It helps us analyze
and understand that we are stuck at the conceptual and design stage due to certain limitations like
the cost of technology. The five significant systems elaborated upon this text include; (i) HDM
AR- as proposed by the Benchmark system, (ii) HYVE 3D - a system that is an interplay of
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Virtual Reality, resulting in the formation of VRAD (Virtual
Reality Aided Design), making collaborated design in the initial stages feasible, (iii) HMD VR,
used in the CAP VR system -The environment proved to enhance students' design quality.
Students' immersion in the virtual model of their design augmented their spatial comprehension
and enriched their evaluation. However, the communication with the tutors was not seamless
because students were wearing an HMD, (iv) Tangible AR – the system illustrated by the
Luminous Planning Table, and (v) SDAR or SAR – It utilizes the joint surfaces available to us
around like the walls and floors to be used as display devices, providing the design on a 1:1 scale
experience.
(Broschart, 2015) [21] The paper on the AR applications discusses the opportunities for better
collaboration and immersion of the users in the design projects to achieve enhanced results
acceptable to all. It discusses how its involvement is an asset but cannot replace urban planning
and architecture's vital processes. It studies the varied tools used or developed for the use of
urban planning and architectural visualization. Keeping in mind the various limitations that are
foreseen with the use of AR systems (portability of computers and time required for installation),
this research lays focus on the smart portable i.e., the mobile phone which consists of four-
element components (1) Computer software generating the 3D model that is to visualize, (2)
Geolocating and extracting the exact location data, (3) detecting the user's orientation and (4) the
last would overlay these and finally display them. Its diverse applications include: (i) Campus
Navigation – Layar tool is utilized to navigate campus with geo-location satellites, (ii) IGA
2017 Berlin – Layar was used to create a digital walk throughout the built area, albeit the system
came with barriers. Therefore, RADAR-system (Resource Annotation and Delivery for Mobile
Augmented Reality Services) was introduced to breach the barriers and permit the users to place
their own location data. Even these apps were limited by the large streaming files and the
availability/accessibility of the internet, (iii) Building Culture Saarbrunkrn – to overcome the
limitations of the GPS based AR systems, alternative systems based on image recognition
tracking systems are also used. "Layar" published a version known as "Layar vision", with its
first application being tested in Saarbrunkn. The system was updated with the city street photos
of the 1950s, with the colour marking the architectural elements that made the city legible and
were in the pre-set time covered with hoardings or destroyed. The experiment was done at
various points throughout the city to involve the local people and letting them experience the lost
heritage, and what the city aimed to get back, and (iv) Augmented Plan – when it involves the
mediation of the plans that we present to the client, most of the information we lay in front is

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tough to comprehend. As a solution to this, apps can take the virtual data such as Plan and
augment it within the client's phone itself.
(Redondo et al. 2011) [22] The paper discusses how AR's involvement can change the education
and the methods of teaching; enhancing the perception of space and the ability to design in
multiple dimensions. Further, the paper elaborates upon the various technologies and the
improvements required for before the products are brought into practical use. VR and AR
research has shown great potential in the field of design education. However, not much progress
has been made in education through these tools due to technical issues and device costs. In
Architectural and urban design, the understanding of spaces is an essential component. Currently,
this knowledge is achieved during the latter stages of a professional's carrier, while with the help
of AR the students can be introduced to these scenarios during the initial part of their course. It
will result in a better understanding for the students compared to the traditional tools used to
study architecture that is still majorly limited to 2D. It is essential to explain the work process in
architecture to juggle between multiple other disciplines to make a project feasible. Traditional
representations embody both a need for abstraction and interpretation and can be challenging to
understand, possibly misleading those not trained in the field. In response to this, architectural
projects and urban design drawings are complemented with perspectives, text and 3D models,
both physical and digital. Still, there is a common problem of understanding both spatial qualities
and the scale of proposed buildings and structures. In urban design, it becomes vital to have a
human-spatial experience; otherwise, project-owners, politicians, decision-makers, and the public
often have expectations based on their interpretation that differ from or exceed the realized
project's qualities in its context. Changes we need to look forward to (i) before realization,
complete 3D models of proposed projects can be studied regarding all aspects. Today we build 3d
models, after AR we will be able to experience them and in future maybe make in situ changes,
(ii) one can experience simulation of physical conditions changes, animate and visualize
pollution, noise, etc., (iii) human factor studies will be made tangible and better outcomes for the
design will be achieved, and (iv) public opinion and suggestions could be incorporated as through
these tools, design can be accessible to all.
(Van Dessel, 2018-2019) [23] The author discusses the application of VR for the utilization of
visualization and communication in a wide range of fields and scale of projects. It deals with
architectural project visualization to visualize large scale projects like urban planning, while the
comprehension of the project is the same for both professionals and laymen. Virtual Reality deals
with a holistically created or designed models; it is well utilized with the augmented Reality
which uses real-time location. Traditionally, urban design cardboard is used to create physical
models, which is not a very flexible option, and the visualization of the space is done only from a
bird-eye view. City Model – creating a virtual model to immerse in the design and make changes
along the visualization is one of the main aims of the VR. The main advantage is to see the
proportions and height that otherwise cannot be visualized in the 2D GIS system, currently in use.
Three visualization techniques have been adopted (1) – Photorealistic Visualization aims at
providing a real like impression of the environment, mainly for the non-experts. The complex
geometrical forms of the environment e.g., trees increase the file size and create multiple issues.
(2) – Visualization of Information and Data which enables information to be comprehended and
immersed with the city model e.g., occupancy, year of construction, etc. (3) – Illustrative and
non-photorealistic visualization can be used for creating the first look of the model, providing
with the urban information, helping in decision-making process.
City GML – A standard core model that acts as a source of information for multiple disciplines
which require urban data. Although the standardized model does provide a clear structure, the

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coding languages are unknown to the urban planners. The work becomes cumbersome and
restrictive to the designers.
(Ahmed et al. 2019) [24] The author elaborates upon the adoption of various new and convenient
strategies or methodologies to enhance design education for the students and the skilled workers.
The recent development in information technology has enormous opportunities to improve the
architectural education in terms of methodologies, strategies and tools. Studies explore the
importance of using virtual Reality with open-minded and progressive methods in teaching
architectural courses and not just stick to the traditional yesteryear methods. The research aimed
at evaluating the (BCVR Software) in architectural education of building construction courses as
a case study at Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST). This Building Construction
using Virtual Reality technology (BCVR) is computer software designed by the authors for
research purpose. It presents 4D models (3D model and time dimension) for certain building
construction phases using VR technology to do immersive and non-immersive virtual reality
experience for the users in terms of three axes: (i) providing students with the building
construction information, (ii) achieving enjoyment, and (iii) integrating with other courses. The
data was obtained from architecture students on a structured questionnaire. The results were
highly in favour of VR software than those of the traditional teaching methods. In conclusion, the
use of BCVR software as a tool in building construction courses is beneficial and effective for
the students. The VR technology can also find application in many other courses offered in the
curriculum of Architectural programs. VR integrates the traditional way of education by bringing
the real world into the classroom; however, its application in architectural educational purposes
has been limited.
(Gębczyńska-Janowicz, 2020) [25] The author discusses the application of AR and VR tools to
reconstruct the heritage virtually deteriorated by time and use these to educate the people and
students who can no longer visualize or experience the beauty of those monuments. AR is also
elaborated as a tool that can show the transition in the cities and their architecture through time.
The evaluation of research presented in this article indicated its effectiveness as an educational
tool in the architectural design studio to improve learning. Realistic concept visualization enables
students to experience the remarkable consequences of proposed solutions. VR can support the
design of commemorative places by applying reconstructed buildings to the real image. With
virtual Reality, the guide could use tools to create an augmented reality experience, draw
attention to specific elements that otherwise may not be easy to explain in real life. CAVE is one
such exciting tool for an immersive design environment. VR technology allows architectural
design classes based on advanced digital technologies, enabling a broad understanding of concept
visualization. VR allows you to see the experience from different points of view and can also be
used to generate 3D images of related architectural elements, such as a parapet detail, to assist in
a quick and more profound learning experience in understanding architecture and construction.
Previously, the critical argument inhibiting the presence of year in education of architectural
design was the cost of purchasing technology-related equipment and the difficulty of acquiring
skills to operate it. Today, students are fluent in the application of CAD software and graphics
processing applications. Students who have experience in computer modelling are becoming
increasingly familiar with VR, which helps promote changes in both education and architectural
practice.
(Sardo et.al, 2018) [26] The authors discuss the possibilities for enhancing the current AR system
from a two sensory system to a multi-sensory system. This is done by exploring the three i.e. feel
or touch, smell and taste. The paper adds interesting possibilities that can be worked upon
practically in the future. AR is discussed as a tool that immerses a person into an altered reality
by connecting with the sight and sound and exploring in incorporating the other three senses that

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have not been as explored as the other two. The multisensory AR is believed to involve a user to
experience the better involved experience. The paper develops the interface by centering on a
museum, but some can be added to enhance AR experience. The interface system experiments
also concentrate on moving from the big computer setups to more portable computer systems that
can easily connect with the phone. Simulation for these senses is experimented with users to get
results such as the simulation of touch and feel being explored with vibration, thermal simulation
and airflow. There are not many options to stimulate the taste sense, but it has been studied that
with the help of sight and smell, the sense for taste can also be developed. Vaporization was also
a technique utilized to simulate smells. These experiments utilized some previously existing
techniques and enhanced them to achieve the desired results. The conceptual model had a great
response from the user survey even though it had some shortcomings and can still have better
outputs with improvements.
(Megahed, 2014) [27] He discusses the need for a more creative and a prospective study
approach with the changing times; the paper discusses how AR's involvement can change the
education and the prevailing methods of teaching. Presently, teacher-oriented teaching can be
replaced by a student-oriented one. The use of AR is studied for the creative and perceptive
development of the students in design. The incorporation of such tools can shift the current
teacher-oriented learning to student-oriented learning. However, this incorporation still faces a lot
of technological and social challenges. The real-life lessons' pedagogy has been in 2-D for a long
time while the real objects itself exist in 3-D. Architectural design education is a field which
requires a lot of practical knowledge and new methods to evolve the creativity of the students,
with the constant changes coming up in the field of design it becomes essential to adapt,
incorporating new techniques. The initial stage of data collection and analysis while experiencing
different cities' environment while sitting in the classroom gives a clearer perspective of context.
The early stages of a design process involve most of the brainstorming, this stage requires the
freedom for visualization and to be able to communicate it at its best. The next stage which
incorporates much reviewing and redo's can be made easy with the tools as mistakes can be
corrected in real-time on the spot. The paper discusses the working of two software in education,
i.e., ARTHUR and AR Workbench.
(Abramovici, 2017) [28] Maintenance is a vital aspect of the post-construction process, which in
most cases turns out to be tedious and expensive. This research explores a cloud-based graph
interface model to create an effective collaboration among an individual, activities and the team
that are connected to the server ( IOT – Internet Of Things ).
Throughout the life-cycle of a building, maintaining the original conditions costs the most. The
paper deals with visualizing the maintenance data and incorporates team-wide communication
and indicates any warning situations that require coordination. To make things, efficient
coordination is developed amongst the machines and humans by using smart devices and the
internet of things. The whole concept is based on the graph model (GUI- Graph user interface)
that analyses the type of goals and their approach. The model discussed it is a cloud-based system
which requires the machines or objects requiring maintenance to be a part of the internet of things
(cloud-based system). The model connects with the individual technician leading to activities
related to other activities; the sensors record the results and values for follow up activities. The
implementation of a prototype of the model was conducted to note the model's workability,
although the model could use more organized and holistic planning. The author is now onto the
stage of proof of concept.

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4. DISCUSSION
Since 1967, with the first research paper published by Schutz and North-Western University
(1967)[2], AR and VR have been conceptualized as instruments for architecture and urban
design. Since then, numerous developments have been made and, although VR was used for
simulation, AR began to be used in indoor environments. The advancement in the workability
and application of these instruments from then to now, has been at a very slow rate of
development in the operability and deployment of these methods, since this technology has not
been developed specifically to fit this specific domain of design. In recent years, however, certain
software and hardware have been developed for particular use in the area of architecture,
exploring immersive collaboration, real-time simulation and data processing. In ideas and
experiments that deal with the ability of the technologies being used to; (i) create an engaging
user interface, which provides a presence in your creation and immerses you in the project to feel
the project's effect, the spectrum of these methods has been further explored. (ii) To enhance the
location and monitoring system in real time. (iv) As part of an academic system, integrating these
tools will introduce students to realistic challenges long before becoming proper architects
Figure 1.Categorization of AR/VR under diverse sub heads of architecture & urban design
(v) Transmitting designs to staff is a challenge that leads to many life-threatening causalities and
management challenges, but can be reversed by using AR and VR to forecast these problems. (vi)
It is possible to observe and imagine deteriorated/dilapidated heritage structures over time.(vii)
The intricate urban fabric of the modern age, where all buildings are rising high in the sky and
losing identity, being tedious to move across the city, could work wonderfully for them with
these visual aided instruments. However, in science and economics, these methods also come
with a range of drawbacks. The tools need to be more user-friendly, open to both experts and
end-users, and economically feasible. Only after addressing the drawbacks will the mass
development of these instruments be seen to take place.

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5. CONCLUSION
The paper summarizes the broad range of options for architecture and urban design that are being
created, conceptualized, or used in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). The research
papers explain the different paths briefly under AR that has the potential of growth or
enhancement. Two things that are being discussed in the area of architecture are teamwork and
immersion. With the architecture complications introduced by changing time, it becomes
necessary to handle these data efficiently to seek optimal performance. For people to learn and
build, reading, learning, and sketching are essential, but with AR and VR, a fourth dimension is
added to our understanding. The Human-Computer interface is at the beginning of its age and can
modify the depth of our perception of spaces and their ergonomics. Currently, architects are now
acquainted with CAD instruments and numerous modelling, research and management
techniques that enable architectural architecture to be digitally interpreted and realized before
construction by traditional VR technologies. AR brings it to the next stage and requires the
physical facts to be incorporated into these virtual visualizations. Continuing future advances in
AR and VR would also play an important role in optimizing the architecture of the urban
environment.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to place my thanks to Prof (Dr) MadhuraYadav, Director,School of Architecture and
Design, Manipal University, Jaipur for her guidance and motivation. I also want to thank Dr.
Vaneet Jishtu, Scientist, HFRI for help in motivation and guidance.
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AUTHORS
Pearl Jishtu
Presently pursuing her final year in Bachelor of Architecture, at Manipal University
Jaipur.Finds motivation towards research work, in the role of technology in
architecture. She has held positions of responsibility and has represented the
University at National Association of Students of Architecture.

February 2021
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Prof (Dr) Madhura A Yadav
An Architect-Planner with over 25-year experience.She is Founder Head of the
School Architecture & Design and now Director of SA&D at Manipal University
Jaipur. She is one of the founder members in establishing Faculty of Design at
Manipal University Jaipur and founder head for fashion Design, Interior Design and
Planning programmes. She is/was on several Committee/Expert Groups set up by
Government of India., She is on Jury of various Architectural competitions.Sheis also
on Editorial Board Architecture, Urban Design and Urban Planning India Journals.
She has published number of papers in national and international journals and conferences. She is
UNESCO certified Mentor for Community based participatory research.She is Indian Green Building
Accredited Professional. She has conducted workshops/conferences on Waste Management, Bamboo
Architecture, Earthquake Resistant Structures, Sustainable Cities/ buildings etc. Her current research
interests are Architecture- Ecology interface and Eco- cities, Promotion of eco materials and Community
Based Participatory Research. She is recipient of Distinguished Faculty in Architecture Award 2017 and
Educational Leadership Award 2019.

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