An Interactive Augmented Reality Architectural Design Model : A Prototype for Digital Heritage Preservation

We present study on the integration of augmented reality using Microsoft Hololens and architectural design documentation for cultural heritage application by practical evaluation method. Our goal is to understand the potential of AR implementation in architectural narration and documentation. Herein, we outlined our works: 1) Visualization of architectural forms; 2) Data visualization embedded in augmented environment; 3) Basic user interaction mechanism. Our focus of the study is on the methodology and workflows involved in the AR platform. The case study is traditional Balinese architectures that constitute issues of materiality, tectonics, aesthetics and embodied local and specific information, hence the cultural heritage. Our study found that AR and Hololens provide a promising tool for 3D visualization and experiences particularly in cultural heritage application where computer-generated objects are augmented into real and physical objects. Despite latency, limited visual field and interaction methods that are still in development, implementation of AR in the architectural field bring understanding architecture as a medium and interface where space, form, and information are combined.