  Literature review shows limited research investigating the utilization of
Augmented Reality (AR) to improve learning and understanding architectural
representations, specifically section views. In this study, we present an AR
system prototype (BIMxAR), its new and accurate building-scale registration
method, and its novel visualization features that facilitate the comprehension
of building construction systems, materials configuration, and 3D section views
of complex structures through the integration of AR, Building Information
Modeling (BIM), and physical buildings. A pilot user study found improvements
after students studied building section views in a physical building with AR,
though not statistically significant, in terms of scores of the Santa Barbara
Solids Test (SBST) and the Architectural Representations Test (ART). When
incorporating time as a performance factor, the ART timed scores show a
significant improvement in the posttest session. BIMxAR has the potential to
enhance the students spatial abilities, particularly in understanding buildings
and complex section views.
