ARchitect is a multisensory game that promotes and explores the educational aspects of learning through games and their influence on end-user engagement with house co-design. The combinatorial framework relies on an augmented reality (AR) application accessible through a smartphone, a low-threshold tool for converting architectural drawings into 3D models in real time and using AR technology for design evaluation. ARchitect is designed to provide alternative ways of gaining knowledge about design and architecture and intends to empower non-experts to take active and informed positions on shaping their future environments at a micro-scale. This allows players to rethink conventional market relations and explore emerging personal and public values. 

To play the game, one downloads and prints out the tabletop portion of the game and installs the ARchitect application. The game provides a mixed-reality experience consisting of three levels: tutorial, challenges and the sandbox. Each level utilizes "room" playing cards and a series of playing boards. Every playing card has a name, budget value and additional features coupled with a 2D representation of the conventional architectural plan. These cards are transformed into 3D models by the ARchitect application. At the end of the game, players can 3D print their results and use it for further exploration. 

Within Mytcul’s design, the proposed game system allows non-architect players to autonomously produce and access design solutions through embedded computational simulation by an AR application. The game intends to inspire the general public to engage in conversation about home design through a playful user experience by which design principles can be learned, eventually spreading architectural literacy to less-privileged communities.

Student

Anna Mytcul

Faculty

Nicholas Bruscia, Mark Shepard and Cody Mejeur

Term

Thesis, Spring 2021

Program

MArch