Augmented Reality in AEC Education: A Case Study

Abstract

Augmented Reality (AR) is a Construction 4.0 technology that is seen as a site-extension of Building Information Modelling (BIM). In addition to the practical aspect within the design and construction processes AR can be used to support teaching through visualizations and interaction. This article presents a new AR platform called “AR-supported Teaching”, applicable for both Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) education and as a Construction 4.0 technology. The aim of this project is to increase the amount of AEC AR content available for education and to introduce students to the productive use of AR. During its development, special attention was paid to the needs of the AEC industry. Users can employ BIM models to create AR scenes before adding animations and annotations without requiring programming skills. The AR platform enables interaction with remote experts and is therefore also suitable for distance learning. In a pilot study, use cases were defined and students tested the usability of the applications. The results were positive and additional suggestions for improvement were made. The feedback and motivation of the students indicate that AR has a future in education, especially if enough AEC AR content and practical use cases are available. The latter also concerns the application of AR in AEC practice.