Augmented Reality For Visualizing Cultural Heritage: The Case of Elixir de Nogueira

This article aims to discuss the application of Augmented Reality (AR) for visualizing cultural heritage, through the case study of the Elixir de Nogueira building. Located in the Glória neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, this building was designed by the Italian architect Antônio Virzi in 1916 and was demolished in 1970 to make way for a commercial building. Concepts related to virtual heritage and augmented reality were used to provide a theoretical framework for the work. A virtual reconstruction of the building had been created, alongside the development of two augmented reality experiences: one using the JavaScript AR.js library and the other using the Unity + AR Foundation game engine. This work aims to discuss how the use of augmented reality applied to virtual heritage can enhance curiosity about the heritage object, as well as debating the possibilities and limitations of each of the frameworks.