Construct AR
A project where IFC models (https://technical.buildingsmart.org/standards/ifc/) were converted and imported into SceneKit and then rendered in ARKit.
As seen in the showcase images and video, the models display where holes need to be drilled in a building, and using the AR view of the app, construction workers can see exactly where they need to work.
I was responsible for the conversion from IFC model to 3D model displayed in the app and in AR, along with general app design tasks.
What I Learned
3D Model Conversion
- Working with IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) building models
- Converting complex architectural data structures to SceneKit-compatible formats
- Handling undocumented conversion pipelines and edge cases
- Optimizing 3D models for mobile AR performance
Low-Level SceneKit
- Deep understanding of SceneKit's scene graph architecture
- Working with SCNNode hierarchies and transformations
- Custom geometry generation and material application
- Performance optimization for real-time AR rendering
ARKit Integration
- Placing and anchoring 3D models in real-world spaces
- Coordinate system transformations between IFC and ARKit
- Managing AR session lifecycle and tracking
- Creating practical AR experiences for industrial use cases
Problem-Solving Skills
- Learning on the job with minimal documentation
- Reverse-engineering file formats and data structures
- Debugging complex 3D rendering issues
- Building solutions for niche technical challenges
Construct AR in action - visualizing drilling points and construction markers in augmented reality
Tech Stack Summary
| Category | Technologies |
|---|---|
| iOS Development | Swift, SwiftUI |
| 3D Rendering | SceneKit |
| Augmented Reality | ARKit |
| 3D Models | IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) |
Project Status
Note: This project is used internally and is not available to the public.
This project showcases my ability to learn on the job and tackle difficult undocumented problems, such as converting IFC models to SceneKit for AR visualization. It demonstrates my capability to work with complex 3D model formats, implement AR visualization solutions, and create practical tools for the construction industry using ARKit and SceneKit.