The use of 3D freehand drawing mediated by virtual reality in the digital architectural design process

Abstract

This research is part of the activities of N.ELAC IAU USP, where thematic research related to Language and Representation is carried out, emphasizing the processes of perception and cognition related to the act of designing. In addition, this research is also the result of the researcher's intention to continue his previous research, regarding the potentialities of freehand drawing in the architectural design process. In chronological order: 1st) The drawing in the architectural design process: analog and digital (PUB scholarship USP 2019/2020, with an article published in a national congress: IV ENANPARQ), 2nd) Projective process: from 2D to 3D sketch intermediated by virtual reality (PIBIC CNPq Fellow 2020/2021, with an article published in international congress: SIGRADI 2021) and 3rd) Introduction of the three-dimensional sketch, in Virtual Reality, in the teaching of design processes and architectural representation (PUB Fellow USP 2021/2022). The main goal of this research is to investigate 3D drawing in the design process, exploring the potentialities and challenges of the execution of three-dimensional freehand drawing mediated by Virtual Reality, in the digital architectural design process. As a study, we chose to introduce this 3D drawing into the design process that contains complex forms, which are usually designed only with the help of parametric design software. In this sense, besides the literature review about the topics of interest, the research has specific objectives: I) investigate the interoperability process between 3D drawing software (Gravity Sketch) and BIM-based architectural production software; II) develop complex shapes using freehand drawing executed three-dimensionally in virtual reality using Oculus Rift S and hand controllers that allow the overall capture of body movements; III) analyze the results by condensing and systematizing data from reports, processes, and products. For the development of the research, the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology will be adopted, through the execution of experiments that seek to solve the interoperability issue between the means that can feed and build new practical knowledge about the situation. Thus, creating a theoretical repertoire that encourages discussion on the subject, in order to enrich research in the field of Architecture and Urbanism.(AU)