The miracles of AR in architecture: It brings a lot to the table

In recent developments, design of buildings and their structures is not just about beautiful drawings but convincing their clients using augmented reality in architecture. Combining digital graphics to real-life views, AR seeks to enhance interactivity and involvement in architecture which helps in better visualization of the projects and more efficient communication of designs. Renderings are not always enough: let’s learn more about how AR can help.

The role 

Augmented reality construction practices enable one to project a computer image onto a physical place and see how a building would appear and operate in real conditions. This technology is becoming more effective in the practice of architecture because it offers better ways of understanding ideas about the building before it is actually constructed. 

With the solution, it is not a problem for anyone to understand what the project is expected to look like: no other technology can provide this kind of vividness and detail. 

Benefits 

The technology brings many gains that cannot be ignored.

• Much better visualization: By the use of AR, the architects are in a position to insert images into the physical environment which otherwise seems beyond comprehension to term it as realistic. It helps both clients and the architects to be correct in decision making at the early stages of work by providing a picture of how the end building will look like. 

For example, the Shanghai Tower design was illustrated through AR by Gensler allowing the viewers of the Skyline to visualize the proposal hanging in the skyscraper biosphere before any constructions began.

• Better client interaction and feedback: The clients have been able to interact with the designs rather than the 2D drawings using AR thus improving the quality of feedback and interaction with them.

For instance, AECOM used AR architectural projects, allowing clients to «walk through» models, which helped refine designs based on client feedback.

• Effective methods for design and construction: The technology aids the architects and the builders to see that their designs are perfectly executed during the conception phase of the building which reduces some of the mistakes and possible hindrance on the progress of the project.

For example, Trimble SiteVision is an AR tool used on construction sites to help teams visualize building elements, ensuring they are built according to the design plans.

Common uses 

The area of architecture has a number of practical AR uses, including:

• Site evaluation and surveys: The use of AR site analysis enables a clearer picture of how structures will relate to their environment and facilitates site selection.

• Interactive project presentations: Clients can also be made part of the presentation as they can manipulate 3D images of the structure rather than conventional models as this makes the presentation more effective.

• Fine tune construction management: In construction, AR confirms that the architect has the ability to remain true to the construction process but not the hypothesis.

Challenges 

Interactive design AR is great. Nevertheless, barriers persist that need to be tackled in order for this technology to effectively interact within the architectural work processes. Technological shortcomings are often spoon-fed to small firms when it comes to the types of instruments or programs that should be utilized. 

So, the issue about price has to do with stimulation. The other issue is that architectural firms in every country are not yet accustomed to this form of work and thus have not yet put the time to learn and adapt to the AR capabilities, which is essential for the technology’s speeded usage.

Final Thoughts

Every technology will definitely have its own applications within architectural design as AR technology progresses. One development that is likely to change is the fact that we can expect advancement in AR tools, which will not only be easier to use but also affordable; thus, more firms use the technology. It is to be noted that AR can completely change the way architecture is approached by minimizing the stages in a project, better communication among the team members, and enhancing the quality of the projects.

Some case studies show the fact that the technology enhances design visualizations and the accuracy of assets; thus, many areas are likely to incorporate the technology.