Visual communication. Create - Export - Share.

Some technologies take their time to bed in to the general consciousness. It is often the case that the first releases, though fun, leave you thinking, "Yes, but what's it for?” It can be difficult to see the actual benefits over and above an enjoyable fad.

In recent years we have seen a flurry of Augmented Reality experiences that appear to do little but entertain. While they enhance the marketing experience, they seem merely an enjoyable gimmick for advertising purposes. It has been difficult to see any real and lasting advantage to AR as a technology, as up to now it has simply been an expensive embellishment.

Step forward UR-AR, a UK based design and development company. With great foresight they realized how underwhelming AR would quickly become if left in the wilderness and used simply as a form of amusement. They have pioneered the application of this technology to the Architectural industry, where it has a lasting and profitable benefit.

“We have created a plug-in for Vectorworks 3D CAD software with a host of features that allow the client to gain a better understanding of their proposed design” says Sy Whitehall, head of development at UR-AR, “This is only the very first stage in a series of planned enhancements, the additions to the next releases are stunning."

The benefits are immediate and without equal. To aid visualisation of a completed project it has up until now required production of a real 3D model, a time-consuming and costly process. With AR-Works the communication and understanding between Architect and client has simplified the entire design/communication process.

It's reassuring to see the engaging technology of AR find a befitting outlet, and also to see exactly what it will achieve with the right sort of direction. For those who feared that this captivating addition to our digital world would merely fall by the way side as an opportunity missed, it is refreshing to see it create visions of the future, a future where it has its own rightful place.

Download AR-works and play with a sample model. Access to the viewing functionality is in the pop-out panels on the left and right of the screen. Either view the model on-screen, or print off the AR-works marker and engage with the model as an AR experience. www.ar-works.net