Disseminating Geometric Figures for Architecture Education and Research Through a Direct Data Stream Between CAD Software and a Web Viewer

This article investigates the dissemination of geometric figures for education and academic research in architecture. When extracting 3D geometry and metadata from digital models created using computer-aided design (CAD) software, traditional interoperability workflows based on file exchange often introduce lossy conversions to standardized data schemas. This paper proposes an alternative approach based on a direct data stream between CAD software and a web-based visualization environment, using the open-source collaborative platform Speckle. After outlining the objectives and methods, a state-of-the-art review highlights key technical challenges. A case study based on geometric figures modeled in TopSolid is then presented, involving two development layers: (1) a Speckle connector implemented as a plug-in within TopSolid, and (2) a customized web viewer built using speckle-viewer and Three.js. The results show that a CAD environment can be effectively replicated on the web, enabling flexible and open dissemination of academic content in architectural geometry.