Augmented Reality set to revolutionise how you view 3D models

Innovative company ur has produced something that'll have you shivering with excitement; using Augmented Reality (or AR) you can now share your Vectorworks 3D models with clients via your webcam. The AR-works plug-in, designed by ur, allows architects and designers to export their 3D models directly through Vectorworks to create a fully interactive AR experience.

Viewing in interactive 3D makes it even easier for clients to understand and appreciate your concept - building mass, scale, structural form including section views through building, material finishes and sun/shadow orientation.

How does it work?

Every time you create a model, give your client a copy of the viewer, a model launcher, a 'Marker' (a printed graphic used to trigger the experience) and a file containing the AR-works model which is sent via email or transferred via a memory stick to the client's computer. To view it, your client will only need a computer with a webcam (if they don't have a webcam there's also 'mouse' mode, which is essentially a better version of the Vectorworks model viewer).

Make changes in realtime

Using two sidebars on the left and right of the viewing window, AR-works allows you to:

• Slice through your 3D design along the x, y and z planes to view any part of the model's interior or structure.
• Switch layers and classes on and off, giving you full flexibility when viewing different options for the roof, windows and other elements of your building.
• Zoom in and out using a slider.
• View different render modes (including white card and texture modes).
• Simulate the movement of the sun around your model to see how shadows fall.

Mouse mode

If you don't have a webcam, you can still view models in 'mouse' mode.

Your client can then load their model through the 'Launcher' into the 'Viewer' and experience their proposed design as a fully interactive 3D model on screen.

You can rotate your model through a full 360° by clicking and dragging, and you can still benefit from the full functionality you'd get in AR mode. Beta-users have been touting the AR-works' viewer as an ideal alternative to Vectorworks sometimes troublesome equivalent.

Where can I get it?

The viewer, marker and launcher can all be downloaded from ur's website. To install, you'll need an AR-works Licence Key which will be available at Jigsaw from 14th September. AR-works supports the new Vectorworks 2012 range as well as Vectorworks 2010 and 2009. Whichever release you own, as a Vectorworks Specialist Reseller, we've been identified by Nemetschek Vectorworks as having the technical expertise to offer advice on all aspects of Vectorworks. If you're wondering how the AR-works plug-in will integrate with your workflow or you'd like to see a demonstration, get in touch with us.


To learn more about the possibilities of sharing your 3D models through Augmented Reality, give us a call on 03332 409 306 or email CAD@Jigsaw24.com. You can also view our entire CAD and BIM range at Jigsaw24.com.