A tablet based immersive architectural design tool

Abstract

In this paper we describe a SketchUp VR system in which we create a hybrid two-dimensional / three-dimensional immersive architectural design system. This system combines a tablet PC, an optically tracked room, a display wall, a SpaceTraveler motion controller, and stereographic eyewear to allow immersive conceptual design and walkthrough using a version of SketchUp that has been enhanced with Ruby plug-ins. The tablet PC provides a "sketchpad" type of user interface for SketchUp, while the tracked space and display wall enable the designer simultaneously to design at full (or any other) scale in an immersive (VR) environment.