An augmented reality supported software trial for real-time 3d modeling of sketches in architectural preliminary design process: "Sketchar"

As is known, three dimensional thinking is an ability which is acquired or improved over time. Especially in architectural science where three dimension holds substantial importance, it is desired to acquire this ability as fast as possible. When looking at the history of architectural science, the improving of various 3D techniques from perspective drawings to models and those techniques still being improved to this day show the importance of three dimension in architectural science. Such that, today's researchers are developing techniques like Virtual Reality, Cave, Boom using the software and hardware technologies to the limit and working on strengthening the three dimensional thinking in architectural sciences. Augmented Reality however comes out as an extent of these advancements and day by day raises its importance, market share, domain and potential. When looking at the investments made in software and hardware by big corporations such as Google and Canon, it can be concluded that the AR (Augmented Reality) is promising to become more and more common in the future. Being able to think and see three dimensionally in architectural science is an important problem which is being tried hard to overcome, especially in the first years of architectural education. In the scope of this thesis, AR's software technology is explored and the hypothesis of AR's digital and modern solution to these problems are suggested. Later on, an AR software featuring interdisciplinary aspects was developed with the programming aid of Computer Engineer Fatih Tolga. The software we named SketchAR, in brief, detects the user's drawing on any paper level, meaning the lines on the sketch, using a camera and transforms these lines on AR software platform into 3D wall objects in real time. In addition to this, the software can also add an unlimited amount of furnishing elements such as doors, windows, desks, chairs between 3D wall objects in real time. By developing this software, along with the contribution to three dimensional thinking in architectural sciences, it is also aimed to enrich the Architectural Pre-Designing Stage. In other words, it is thought that this software will be an addition to the first sparkles and the improvements of those first thoughts in Architectural Pre-Designing stage. In addition to the above mentioned, with this study, the enrichment of architectural processes by using AR is also aimed. Working with SketchAR is concluded with a new and modern suggestion of Architectural Designing Process aided by AR. At the first stage of this study; in order to put Augmented Reality in its place among the digital software technologies; "Simulation" and "Virtual Reality" notions are examined and after that, comparing with Virtual Reality, various definitions are given about AR. Later on AR's historical adventure reaching 1900's are examined by separating it in three periods and in order to provide data and form a foundation, many AR examples used in various sectors ranging from archeology to entertainment industry are examined. At the second stage of this study; AR's software and hardware components are examined in three separated sub topics. This examination contributes to the installment of the technical infrastructure and determining which method to use in the making of this software developed within the scope of this thesis. At the third stage of this study; Architectural Science and AR are linked together with the aid of aforementioned stages. In this matter, "Architectural Designing Processes" are primarily put forward while categorizing them with diagrams. Later on remarkable AR examples from the world of architecture are put together and examined under four topics. At the fourth stage of this study; with the technical and hypothetical infrastructure obtained by the examination of AR examples from other stages, the making process of SketchAR software which aims the goals of this thesis and to prove its hypothesis is explained. In this stage, primarily the goals, the potential domain and the starting points of the software developed in the scope of this thesis are explained with the motivating factors such as "Architectural Pre-Designing", "Drawing" and "Sketching". Later on the subject of "The Development of The Software" is put forward and the technical aspect of SketchAR is supported with flow diagrams and explained gradually. Right after this SketchAR's interface and the way it works, in other words the user's manual, are again explained with flow diagrams. Lastly in this section; a survey study of SketchAR's testing is carried out on two different universities, consisting a total of 50 students from different classes and detailed results on how the survey is applied and how the students experienced the software are given. The survey results are visualized with charts and analyzed after. At the fifth stage of this study; general results of the thesis and anticipations are explained.