Applications of augmented reality and virtual reality on computer-assisted teaching for analytical sketching of architectural scene and construction

Abstract

Analytical sketching is a method to document an inspired understanding from direct observations and analysis of an architectural environment through freehand sketching. A course dedicated to teaching analytical sketching has encountered problems of how to integrate different teaching activities involving in-class lectures and on-site practices. A mobile learning application (Architectural Sketching) was previously developed to bring the in-class instruction on hand to the field. However, how to assist in the development of key sketching ability of interrelating conceptual architectural configurations and their perceptual spatial experiences through mobile learning remains unexplored. This study proceeds from prior action research and reports the experimental implementation of augmented reality and virtual reality to a mobile learning application. To teach architectural scene sketching, live demonstrations of on-site sketching were provided in different interactive display methods of viewing as regular video, interactive 180-degree video on handheld devices, and 180-degree VR video with VR headset. For architectural construction, augmented reality and 3D holograms, along with 3D animations of geometrical analysis, were used to create digital learning tools. Preference rating and preference scales were established from students’ responses. The results reveal that the user-friendly interactivity and functional realism enhance the mobile learning applications to assist on-site sketching training.

Keywords

• analytical sketching
• mobile learning
• augmented reality
• virtual reality
• action research