Using Augmented Reality to Showcase Architectural Plans

A large Hospital system was looking for a new and engaging way to showcase their upcoming building plans and renovations for multiple facilities within their network. They turned to SphereGen to build an Augmented Reality (AR) interactive experience which allows 3D visualization of building architectures using smart devices

Challenge​

The traditional mode of presenting new building designs and renovations includes providing a detailed architectural model, complete with landscaping details and textural effects. These models are stunning creations which require hundreds of hours of pain-staking intricate work and prove to be costly. In addition, the models are stationary – not meant to be moved once they have been installed.

Our client was looking for an alternative to relying on stationary architectural models. when actively fundraising for their building projects. When meeting with prospective donors, they needed an interesting way to showcase their designs in a portable manner. At the time, the only portable materials available were drawings and image renderings.

In addition, our client was interested in creating a more engaging experience which could help potential donors visualize architectural designs and the possibilities for change.

Solution​

SphereGen created a tap and place AR application which presents virtual 3D architectural models for tablets and smartphones. The application supports the display of detailed models for multiple facilities within the hospital network. Zoom features and model manipulations allow the user to view the building from any perspective. User engagement is extremely high amplifying interest in the architectural details.

As a result, building architectures can easily be showcased at multiple events and one on one meetings for any location. The goals of facilitating portable presentations and interactively engaging potential donors in those presentations were realized to great success.

To satisfy our client’s goals of showcasing new architecture using interactive 3D visualization, and providing easy access for that experience, SphereGen created an Augmented Reality application.

Portability with AR

Prior to this application, design details were experienced by visiting architectural models on display or through drawn architectural plans and renderings. Viewing these designs required our client to bring potential donors on-site or have their staff travel to meetings transporting an abundance of 2D materials. The AR application requires only a tablet or smartphone and is completely portable.

Staff can easily present all properties undergoing construction, at any meeting site and at multiple events. This allows them to expand their fundraising capabilities by more efficiently scheduling meetings with donors.

Enhanced User Experience

Besides the portability aspect of an AR application, the advantage of using Augmented Reality is the increased level of engagement which the interactive application provides. Potential donors are drawn in by the virtual images with the ability to zoom in on all areas of the architectural model. Models are displayed in a room using a tap to place feature. Once placed, the viewer can walk around the model, getting a 360-degree experience, much like when viewing a stationary architectural model. However, with the AR application, the model can also be moved, turned, and scaled to afford the best viewing perspective.

Unlike traditional physical models that are static, this digital medium allows for more possibilities to tailor the experience for the user. Additional cityscape context buildings can be shown, then hidden to draw focus to the main building. Signage can be updated to show potential donor names for a more personalized approach.

Reusing Model Content

The beauty of this solution is that the 3D models used in the application are based on models created by the building architects. For the models to be used in the application, they must be slightly altered for visual effects and optimization. However, the content base is reused from the files produced by the architects, saving time and money in content creation.