Al-Qadisiyah Journal for Engineering Sciences

Evaluating the effectiveness of MAR apps in enhancing public participation in architectural design (An augmented experiment at the University of Basra)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Tahseen Ali Alazzawi
Hala Abdul karem Alsamer

Department of Architecture, College of Engineering, University of Basra, Iraq.

10.30772/qjes.2025.156448.1475
Abstract
AR technique is one of the innovative techniques of our time, which is increasingly used in the field of architecture at several levels and for multiple purposes. One of these is to enhance public participation in architectural design in an easy and understandable way. Due to limited attention to this emerging technique in our local context, including the academic one in Iraqi universities, and the scarcity of research contributions addressing it, this paper explores the concept of AR, its utilizations in architecture, and its role in promoting public participation in design. Also, it involved developing a mobile AR app " BUMAR " and testing it in real-world settings, all with the goal of introducing this technology and exploring its potential to facilitate and achieve public participation in design. To achieve this, a proposed virtual model was created as a hypothetical building for the Petroleum Engineering Department, intended to be built. The model was exported to the app, which was shared on social media for the target audiences. The app was tested in displaying and evaluating the model, with experiments conducted over several days by students, faculty, and others. This was accompanied by a questionnaire to gather opinions on BUMAR 's effectiveness, specifically, and the importance of the AR technique in achieving understanding and interaction with the proposed design and its role in facilitating participation and expressing opinions. BUMAR achieved good results, as indicated by the questionnaire results showing acceptance, satisfaction, interaction, interest, requests for further development of the app, and willingness to participate in future augmented experiments. This supports the claim of the importance of AR technique and the success of BUMAR in explaining it to users, suggesting further development of the app and its use in evaluating real construction projects in the future.

Keywords

Augmented reality
Architectural design
Public participation
MAR applications
User engagement
Participatory design
Design evaluation
University of Basra
  1. Mystakidis, “Metaverse,” Encyclopedia, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 486–497, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia2010031
  2. V. Nguyen and C. Nguyen, “A systematic review of structural equation modeling in augmented reality applications,” J Electr Eng Comput Sci, vol. 28, no. 1,
    p. 328–38, 2022. [Online]. Available: http://doi.org/10.11591/ijeecs.v28.i1.pp328-338
  3. M. Russo, “Ar in the architecture domain: State of the art,” Applied Sci, vol. 11, no. 15, p. 6800, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/app11156800
  4. Hajirasouli and S. Banihashemi, “Augmented reality in architecture, construction and engineering education,” Int J Educ Technol High Educ., 2022.
  5. G. Schall, J. D ¨ollner, and D. Schmalstieg, “Augmented reality in architecture and design: potentials and challenges for application,” In: Proceedings of the
    European Conference on Computer Graphics, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1260/147807709788921985
  6. R. Azuma, “A survey of augmented reality,” Presence: Teleoperators and Virtual Environments, vol. 8, p. 355–85, 1997. [Online]. Available:
    https://doi.org/10.1162/pres.1997.6.4.355
  7. R. Fenjan, H. Alsamer, and N. Almansor, “The virtual documentation role in reformulating the heritage of basra city,” Architecture and Engineering .J, vol. 9,
    no. 4, p. 5–17, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.23968/2500-0055-2024-9-4-3-3-18
  8. R. AbdulRahman and I. Al-Alaf, “Interactive modelling of lost landmarks – qishla of mosul: A case study,” Diyala J Eng Sci, vol. 15, no. 4, p. 72–86, 2022.
    [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.24237/djes.2022.15407
  9. M. Jafar, “Apple developer. augmented reality.” [Online]. Available: https://developer.apple.com/augmented-reality.
  10. “Google developers. augmented reality,” no. 1. [Online]. Available: https://developers.google.com/ar.
  11. S. Hemanth Kumar and T. Chetan, “Enhancing consumer engagement and product experience through augmented reality,” Int J Creative Research Thoughts
    (IJCRT), vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 139–156, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4649637
  12. J. Amorim, C. Matos, A. Cuperschmid, P. Gustavsson, and C. Pozzer, “Augmented reality and mixed reality technologies: Enhancing training and mission
    preparation with simulations,” STO-MP-MSG-9, vol. 247, no. 1-3, pp. 180–189, 2013. [Online]. Available: http://doi.org/10.13140/2.1.1891.6642
  13. C. Rossi, M. Lima, A. Santos, and I. Winkler, “A participatory content authoring workflow for augmented reality at industrial maintenance,” In: Advances in
    Virtual Reality. Intech Open, vol. 57, no. 2, pp. 1–9, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/doi:10.5772/intechopen.109727
  14. M. Tritthart, “Animated urban surfaces: Spatial augmented reality in public discourse,” Int J Film Media Arts, vol. 6, no. 2, p. 75–94, 2021. [Online].
    Available: https://doi.org/10.24140/ijfma.v6.n2.05
  15. M. Bower, C. Howe, N. McCredie, A. Robinson, and D. Grover, “Augmented reality in education – cases, places and potentials,” Educ Media Int, vol. 51,
    no. 1, p. 1–15, July 2014. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1080/09523987.2014.885286
  16. B. Allbach, M. Memmel, P. Zeile, and B. Streich, “Mobile augmented city: New methods for urban analysis and urban design processes using
    mobile augmented reality services. in: 16th international conference on urban development, regional planning and information society; rome, italy;
    2011. p. 333–4.” in Artificial Neural Networks for Renewable Energy Systems and Real-World Applications, pp. 159–187, 2022. [Online]. Available:
    https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-820793-2.00010-0
  17. E. Kaimakamis, “Comparison between augmented reality techniques in virtual-pilot. diploma thesis, technical university of thessaloniki, greece; 2020.”
    Journal of membrane science, vol. 368, no. 1-2, pp. 202–214, 2011. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2010.11.030
  18. G. Goepel, J. Ho, and A. Fingrut, “Augmenting the exposure of extended reality (xr) technologies for architectural graduate and undergraduate students in
    hong kong: On teaching initiatives for virtual-, augmented-, and mixed reality (vr/ar/mr),” Asian J Sch Teach Learn, vol. 13, no. 1, p. 24–46, 2023.
  19. S. Malysheva, “Use of augmented reality information and communication technologies in urban historical environment,” IOP Conf Ser: Mater.Sci Eng, vol.
    775, p. 012069, 2020. [Online]. Available: http://10.1088/1757-899X/775/1/012069
  20. Z. Shaghaghian, H. Burte, D. Song, and W. Yan, “Learning geometric transformations for parametric design: An augmented reality (ar)-powered approach,”
    In: CAAD Futures 2021 Conference Proceedings;, vol. 2, p. 1–14, Sep 2021. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2109.10899
  21. P. Jimenez Vicario, M. R ´odenas L ´opez, M. Serrano Mart´ınez, M. Garc´ıa C ´ordoba, M. Mestre Mart´ı, and D. Ros MacDonell, “Augmented reality and
    generative design: A tour through print media for designing and representing architecture,” In: 8th International Conference on Education and New Learning
    Technologies . https://doi.org/10.21125/edulearn, vol. 13, p. 4769–77, 2016. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.21125/edulearn.2016.2143
  22. I. Kishor, I. Kumar, P. Chaudhary, and P. Bansal, “Visualization of computer labs using augmented reality.” JIRT, vol. 10, no. 1, p. 707–9, 2023. [Online].
    Available: http://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.24101.88804
  23. D. Szekely, S. Vert, O. Rotaru, and D. Andone, “Usability evaluation with eye tracking: The case of a mobile augmented reality application with historical
    images for urban cultural heritage,” Heritage, vol. 6, no. 3, p. 3256–3270, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6030172
  24. J. Milovanovic, G. Moreau, D. Siret, and F. Miguet, “Virtual and augmented reality in architectural design and education: An immersive
    multimodal platform to support architectural pedagogy,” Journal of American science Futures, vol. 17, no. 1, p. 513–32., 2017. [Online]. Available:
    https://hal.science/hal-01586746v1
  25. D. Salgado, D. Benitez, A. Morales, M. Gonzalez, and N. Huertas, “Use of augmented reality technology and gps to encourage tourism in the sucre
    department1154-1201,” IOP Conf Ser: Mater Sci Eng, vol. 1154, no. 1, p. 012017, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/1154/1/012
    017
  26. G. Lampropoulos, E. Keramopoulos, and K. Diamantaras, “Semantically enriched augmented reality applications: A proposed system architecture and a case
    study,” . Int J Recent Contributions Eng Sci IT (iJES), vol. 10, no. 01, p. 29–46, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3991/ijes.v10i01.27463
  27. F. Avella, M. Cannella, and F. Lanza, “3d printing and augmented reality: The project for the second competition for the italian parliament
    by ernesto basile,” Int Arch Photogramm Remote Sens Spatial Inf Sci, vol. XLVIII-M-2-2023, p. 129–37, 2023. [Online]. Available:
    https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLVIII-M-2-2023-129-2023
  28. O. D. Onososen, A., “Evolution in the intellectual structure of virtual reality and augmented reality research in the aec sector,” Preprints, vol. 2023030235,
    2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202303.0235/v1
  29. K. Purushottam, K. Chandramouli, J. Naga Chaitanya, and B. Gowreswari, “A review on virtual reality and augmented reality in architecture,
    engineering and construction industry,” Int J Modern Trends in Sci Technololgy, vol. 7, no. 0708007, p. 29–33, 2021. [Online]. Available:
    https://doi.org/10.46501/IJMTST0708007
  30. A. Revoltia, P. Dallasega, F. Schulze, and A. Walder, “Augmented reality to support the maintenance of urban-line infrastructures: A case study,” Procedia
    Computer Science, vol. 217, p. 746–755, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2022.12.271
  31. X. Wang, “Augmented reality in architecture and design: Potentials and challenges for application,” Int J Architectural Comput, vol. 7, no. 2, p. 309–326,
    2009. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1260/147807709788921985
  32. L. Kappelman and E. McLean, “The respective roles of user participation and user involvement in information system implementation success,” In: Proceedings
    of the International Conference on Information Systems., vol. III, no. 1, pp. 1–12, 1991.
  33. A. Othman, B. Shouman, and M. Marzouk, “Enhancing users’ involvement in architectural design using mobile augmented reality,” Eng Construct and Archit
    Manag, vol. 29, no. 6, p. 2514–2534, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-02-2021-0124
  34. S. Kaya, “Relating building attributes to end user’s needs: The owners-designers-end users’ equation,” Facilities, vol. 22, no. 10, p. 247–52, 2004. [Online].
    Available: https://doi.org/10.1108/02632770410555968
  35. M. Caixeta, J. Bross, P. Tzortzopoulos, and M. Fabricio, “Value generation through user involvement in healthcare design,” In: 21st Annual Conference of the
    International Group for Lean Construction IGLC, p. 288–308, 2013.
  36. B. Fischer, A. Peine, and B. Ostlund, “The importance of user involvement: A systematic review of involving older users in technology design60(7):.
    https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnx054.” Gerontologist, vol. 60, no. 7, p. 513–23, 2019. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnz163
  37. P. Christiansson, K. Svidt, K. Pedersen, and U. Dybro, “User participation in the building process,” J Inf Technol Constr, vol. 16, no. 1, p. 309–35, 2011.
    [Online]. Available: http://www.itcon.org/data/works/att/2011 20.content.00616.pdf
  38. J. Lai, T. Honda, and M. Yang, “A study of the role of user-centered design methods in design team projects.” Artif Intell Eng Des Anal Manufacturing,
    vol. 24, no. 3, p. 303–316, 2010. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/doi:10.1017/S0890060410000211
  39. N. Fumagalli, E. Fermani, G. Senes, M. Boffi, L. Pola, and P. Inghilleri, “Sustainable co-design with older people: The case of a public restorative garden in
    milan (italy),” Sustainability, vol. 12, no. 8, p. 3166, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083166
  40. F. Visser, P. Stappers, R. Lugt, and E. Sanders, “Context mapping: Experiences from practice,” I nt J Cocreation Design Arts, vol. 1, no. 2, p. 119–49, 2005.
    [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1080/15710880500135987
  41. N. Norouzi, M. Shabak, M. Bin Embi, and T. Khan, “A new insight into design approach with focus on the architect-client relationship,” Asian Soc Science,
    vol. 11, no. 5, p. 108–120, 2015. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.5539/ass.v11n5p108
  42. P. Tzortzopoulos, R. Codinhoto, M. Kagioglou, J. Rooke, and L. Koskela, “The gaps between healthcare service and building design: A state of the art
    review,” Ambiente Constru´ıdo, vol. 9, no. 2, p. 47–55, 2009. [Online]. Available: https://seer.ufrgs.br/ambienteconstruido/article/view/7552/5489
  43. M. Kassem, T. Brogden, and N. Dawood, “Bim and 4d planning: A holistic study of the barriers and drivers to widespread adoption,” J
    Constr Eng Project Manag ,Korea Institute of Construction Engineering and Management, vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 1– 10, 2012. [Online]. Available:
    https://doi.org/10.6106/JCEPM.2012.2.4.001
  44. T. Kym ¨al ¨ainen and S. Siltanen, “Co-designing novel interior design services that utilise augmented reality: A case study,” Adv Res Trends New Technol Softw
    Hum-Computer Interact Communicability, pp. 269–279, 2014. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-4490-8.ch025
  45. S. Bassam, A. E. O. Ayman, and M. Mohamed, “Enhancing users’ involvement in architectural design using mobile augmented reality,” Eng., Construct and
    Archit Manag., vol. 29, no. 6, p. 2514–2534, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-02-2021-0124
  46. Y. Wang and Y.-S. Lin, “Public participation in urban design with augmented reality technology based on indicator evaluation,” Front. Virtual Reality, vol. 4,
    no. 16, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.3389/frvir.2023.1071355
  47. T. Alazzawi and H. Alsamer, “The impact of augmented reality techniques on improving urban design effectiveness,” HBRC J, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 799–828,
    2024. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1080/16874048.2024.2378657
  48. S. Janset and M. Narmeen, “Visions for a greener future at sail oman: Augmented reality as a tool for urban design,” Int J Archit Art Design, vol. 10, no. 8, p.
    220–229, 2020.
  49. Z. Seidametova, Z. Abduramanov, and G. Seydametov, “Using augmented reality for architecture artifacts visualizations,” Digital Library NAES
    of Ukraine .In: AR Edu 2021: 4th International Workshop on Augmented Reality in Education, vol. 2898, p. 131–146, 2021. [Online]. Available:
    https://lib.iitta.gov.ua/id/eprint/727262
  50. B. Furht, “Handbook of augmented reality,” Springer Science Business Media, 2011. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-0064-6
Al-Qadisiyah Journal for Engineering Sciences
Volume 19, Issue 1
Winter 2026
Pages 71-80

  • Receive Date 01 January 2025
  • Revise Date 14 March 2025
  • Accept Date 10 November 2025

Submit Manuscript

Guide for Authors

Article Processing Charges (APC)

Reviewers

Call for Reviewers

Contact Us