Innovation in Architecture Education: Augmented Reality and Digital Collaboration for the 21st Century

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2026-2026

Keywords:

architectural education, pedagogical innovation, augmented reality, collaborative work, knowledge articulation

Abstract

Introduction: Architectural education faces the challenge of adapting to an increasingly digital and collaborative professional environment. This paper presents a pedagogical innovation experience that integrates Augmented Reality and digital collaborative work into architectural training, aiming to enhance spatial understanding, design decision-making, and knowledge integration across subjects. Methodology: The study employed a qualitative-quantitative approach using Project-Based Learning. Thirty third-semester architecture students participated in an interdisciplinary project involving three subjects: Architectural Design Studio II, Graphic Expression II, and Construction I. Collaborative platforms such as Lucidspark and AR tools were used to visualize, critique, and present their architectural projects. Results: The implementation led to improved academic performance (average grade of 8.73 compared to 7.85 with the traditional method), high student satisfaction (94.1% positively rated the methodology), and significant development of technical and collaborative skills. Discussion: The combination of AR and collaborative work enhanced meaningful learning and three-dimensional spatial perception. However, technical challenges were identified, highlighting the need for additional training and proper digital infrastructure to ensure successful large-scale implementation.

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Author Biographies

Franklin Guillermo Cuenca Soto, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja

Architect from the Technical University of Loja in 2000. Master's degree in Architectural Projects from the State University of Cuenca in 2020. In the public sector: Director of Planning for the Autonomous Municipal Government of Chinchipe, Technician for Prospective Studies and Projects for the Autonomous Municipal Government of Loja, Contract Administrator for the Public Works Contracting Service, and Real Estate Appraiser for the Judicial Branch of Loja. In the academic sphere: lecturer in Architectural Projects, Basic Design and Architectural Drawing at the Technical University of Loja and lecturer in Architectural Design, City, Construction and Architectural Drawing at the International University of Ecuador.

Rodrigo Miguel Carpio Rey, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja

Architect from the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (Ecuador). Master's degree in Architectural Projects from the University of Cuenca (Ecuador) and Master's degree in Human Settlements from KU Leuven University (Belgium). Professionally, he has collaborated with architecture studios and currently works as an independent architect in design and construction. He teaches at the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja and the Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, where he teaches subjects related to design and graphic expression. His research interests focus on traditional construction systems, pedagogical innovation, and the use of immersive technologies in architecture education.

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Published

2025-08-25

How to Cite

Cuenca Soto, F. G., & Carpio Rey, R. M. (2025). Innovation in Architecture Education: Augmented Reality and Digital Collaboration for the 21st Century. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 11, 1–28. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2026-2026

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