**6. Conclusions**

This paper mainly focuses on the major application scenarios mentioned by various researchers and practitioners in the field of architecture, engineering and construction. The advances in the digitization of all processes and workflows in the AEC industry in general and beyond with the wide adoption of BIM as a common methodology for managing large construction projects enables the use of advanced information communication technology (including, augmented reality) in AEC workflows. It is not emphasized that the approach of AR is better and more effective compared to others, but it is a helpful complement to other technologies for managing a building life cycle.

Through AR it is possible to obtain a special feature, namely "instant visualization", which facilitates communication and decision making between the parties involved in the project. According to Wang J et al. [27], AR inherently involves human interaction with real and virtual information sources. Within BIM technology, the use of AR allows designers to place the virtual construction schematic in a real physical environment; it grants owners an engaging and interactive experience and suppliers the ability to communicate effectively with both clients and the technical team.

The case studies are different, the first being a road infrastructure project, more specifically a tunnel (already completed) and the second an architectural project for a commercial/service building (under construction), both with 3D models from BIM, which allowed visualization in AR. **Table 1** shows the SWOT analysis for use of augmented reality in BIM based on the above presented use-cases and key takeaways from those examples.

Future research should generally focus on three main themes: (1) improving the understanding of information transfer processes, (2) enhancing software solutions, and (3) better understanding the required information contained in BIM models.

By improving the understanding of information transfer processes, we mean determining the tasks that could benefit most from AR technology [28]. It would


#### **Table 1.**

*Augmented reality in BIM SWOT analysis.*

also be interesting to explore an alternative information flow where building information models could be generated or updated in a real 3D space, on mobile devices, rather than on 2D computer screens in offices. It is expected that building information modeling software vendors will improve their products in this direction, which would also be based on research such as that conducted or reviewed in this paper.

Computer market leaders say augmented reality will change everything. But right now AR still has many challenges to overcome (improving occlusion, the process of creating 3D content and asset quality, connectivity, computing power of devices, miniaturization of hardware components …) and if AR on mobile phones is the first step and most AR experience for a few years, AR on smart glasses will completely change the user experience. With smart glasses, users will have access to hands-free experiences, with content displayed right in front of their eyes and a full augmented view of the real world.
