Graphic Thinking, Communication and Motivation: A Teaching Experience with Augmented Reality

Faced with the challenge of optimizing the learning of design, graphic construction, coding, and expression of architecturally complex elements, this essay presents a teaching experience developed in the Architecture Drawing course of the first year of Architecture Studies that incorporates Augmented Reality (AR). After initial experiences providing three-dimensional models of studied objects integrated into AR, which were well-received by students, a specific study was proposed on an architectural element with spatial complexity and recurring assimilation difficulties, namely the stair. This exploration covered the phases of ideation, realization, and communication of that element, utilizing AR as an instrumental resource and motivational trigger. The aim was to use AR to contribute to solve problems derived from the lack of spatial comprehension and communicative resources of students in the first stage of their learning process of Architecture and its representation. Furthermore, the adoption of this new technology is proposed not in isolation, but integrated into a hybrid method that combines traditional drawing with the use of AR. In this way, the experience seeks to incorporate new applications to enhance the teaching-learning process and student motivation as a complement to previously successful methodologies.