In the evolving tapestry of the architectural world, the fusion of creativity with technology has given birth to an unparalleled digital renaissance. Long gone are the days when architects were confined to drawing boards and tracing paper. Today, the ubiquity of mobile devices has revolutionized the design process, allowing ideas to be captured, developed, and shared with an immediacy and precision that previous generations could only dream of. As we stand on the precipice of this new age, a plethora of mobile applications have sprung forth, promising to augment the design process, streamline workflows, and breathe life into static drawings.
Yet, with such an expansive digital landscape to navigate, how does one discern which apps are truly indispensable? In this series, “Best Architectural Mobile Apps” we endeavor to curate and highlight the crème de la crème of mobile tools tailored for architects and design aficionados. Each article will explore a select group of apps, delving deep into their features, advantages, and potential applications in real-world scenarios.
We will explore on three game-changers that have left indelible marks on the industry: Procreate, a titan in digital sketching; MagicPlan, a maestro of floor planning and measurements; and ARki, a vanguard in augmented reality visualizations. Join us as we embark on this journey, dissecting their offerings and illuminating the myriad ways they can elevate your architectural endeavors.
In the realm of architectural design, technological innovations have swiftly redefined the way professionals work and communicate their ideas. With smartphones and tablets becoming indispensable tools, a myriad of applications have emerged to cater to the needs of modern architects. In this series, we will delve into the best architectural mobile apps available in the market, shedding light on their features and how they can enrich the design process. Today, we’ll explore three trailblazers: Procreate, MagicPlan, and ARki.
1. Procreate
Best for: Digital Sketching and Illustrations
Procreate is not an architecture-specific app, but its powerful sketching and painting features have found a significant audience among architects and designers.
- Versatility in Brushes: With hundreds of brushes available, designers can switch between watercolor, ink, pencil, and other styles seamlessly. This range allows for both preliminary sketches and detailed renderings.
- Time-lapse Recording: One unique feature of Procreate is its ability to record your drawing process. This can be a valuable tool for presentations, showing the evolution of a design concept from start to finish.
- High-Resolution Output: Procreate supports high-resolution canvases, ensuring your designs retain their quality when printed or presented on larger screens.
Cover: My 5 tips if you want to draw architecture sketch commissions in Procreate — School of Sketching by Olga Sorokina
2. MagicPlan
Best for: Floor Planning and Measurements
Gone are the days when architects needed to manually measure and jot down room dimensions. MagicPlan streamlines this process, making on-site measurements a breeze.
- AR Measurement: Using the device’s camera, MagicPlan can capture room corners and automatically compute distances, producing accurate floor plans in minutes.
- Integration: The generated plans can be exported in various formats, like PDF, JPG, and DXF, facilitating easy integration into other design software.
- Cost Estimation: An added advantage is the app’s ability to compute material quantities and costs based on the drawn plans, aiding in budgeting and procurement.
3. ARki
Best for: Augmented Reality Visualizations
In a world where augmented reality (AR) is gaining prominence, ARki stands out as an essential tool for architects desiring to bring their designs to life in an immersive way.
- 3D Overlay: ARki can overlay detailed 3D models onto physical plans, allowing clients and stakeholders to experience a design in augmented reality, bridging the gap between 2D plans and real-life constructions.
- Interactive Elements: The app allows for the inclusion of interactive elements in designs. Think of elements like different lighting conditions or furniture arrangements that can be toggled in real-time.
- Collaboration and Sharing: Designs can be shared with peers and clients, ensuring feedback is instantaneous and collaborative.
Credit: ARki app: The NextGen architects who des|Softwares (amazingarchitecture.com)
Whether sketching out initial ideas, creating precise floor plans, or immersing clients in augmented reality, the modern architect has an arsenal of tools at their fingertips. Procreate, MagicPlan, and ARki are just the tip of the iceberg, and as technology continues to evolve, so too will the ways in which architects leverage it. Stay tuned for our next installment, as we continue to explore more groundbreaking apps in the world of architectural design.
