Bridging the analog-digital divide : enhancing urban models with augmented reality

Physical models are a widespread tool for landscape intervention communication, however, their fixed nature limits their utility as both a discursive and a design tool. Using mobile devices, Augmented Reality can overlay 3D digital data into the world. In this paper, we demonstrate how Augmented Reality can be used to enrich 3D printed urban models to show competing designs, replace outdated physical designs, and contextualize urban models within a larger urban context. Using a digital twin and accurate physical occlusion, we show how Augmented Reality can be used in workshop settings to enable interactive demonstrations, encourage design exploration, and turn physical urban models into evolving comparative design tools.