AUGMENTED REALITY AS A MEANS OF COMMUNICATION IN THE DESIGN OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATIONAL SPACE
In contemporary architecture, effective communication between architects, stakeholders, and end users is critical, especially at early stages where decisions shape the project’s direction and long-term impact. Traditional representational tools, such as 2D drawings, static renderings, and even physical models, often fail to fully convey the spatial, functional, and emotional qualities of design. These limitations can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and compromised outcomes. The article explores the potential of augmented reality (AR) as an innovative visual and communicative tool during the conceptual phase of architectural design, particularly in the context of educational institutions. Through a detailed case study of a safe learning environment designed for a public university and supported by philanthropic funding from the private sector, this study analyzes how the integration of AR influenced the perception of an architectural project, communication dynamics, and decision-making processes. The project brought together architects, university administration, students, and donors in a collaborative design process that emphasized transparency, trust, and inclusivity. The research methodology combines descriptive analysis of the design workflow, qualitative changes in the nature of feedback and the effectiveness of decision-making before and after AR implementation. The findings demonstrate that AR offers substantial advantages over conventional methods by enabling to interact with virtual spaces in real time. This immersive experience enhances emotional engagement and cognitive comprehension, allowing users to assess spatial qualities, test scenarios, and provide immediate, grounded feedback. As a result, AR fosters more informed, participatory dialogue, reduces ambiguity, and accelerates consensus-building. Moreover, it shifts the communicative paradigm from expert-led presentations to shared spatial experiences, giving voice to users who are typically underrepresented in technical design discussions. In addition to its communicative benefits, AR supports a more democratic and inclusive design process by empowering stakeholders, particularly students, educators, and administrative staff, to co-create environments tailored to their real needs and everyday practices. This democratization aligns with broader trends in participatory and human-centered design, reinforcing the social responsibility of architecture in shaping equitable, responsive, and sustainable spaces. Ultimately, the article positions augmented reality not merely as a visualization tool, but as a transformative medium that bridges the gap between design intent and user experience. As digital technologies continue to redefine professional workflows, AR stands out as a critical enabler of more collaborative, transparent, and impactful architectural practices.
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