The design process for an architect has undergone many exciting advancements. From hand drawing drafts to implementing models in 3D systems, there are many tools that have helped architects along the way. The most recent development that is advantageous to architects is the development of new augmented reality technology. If you’re looking to be at the forefront of cutting-edge tech for architecture, here is how augmented reality is revolutionizing the design process.
What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality is a relatively new technology that has been making waves across many different industries. Augmented reality deals with overlaying visuals, auditory and sensory information onto the real world for someone to experience in real-time. Common examples of augmented reality we use everyday include face filters on social media apps. When you open an app and use a filter that makes you look like a puppy, that is one way to use augmented reality.
As the technology becomes more sophisticated, it can impact construction industries to help with planning, training, and modeling. There is a huge potential for the use of augmented reality in architecture, especially because architects must create buildings that will be placed in the real world. You can learn about the detailed potential of augmented reality from the experts at ZP Architects Engineers.
How is Augmented Reality Influencing Architecture?
While augmented reality can be used in many different ways, certain uses can influence the process of an architect.
Streamlining Onsite Work
One of the biggest benefits of utilizing augmented reality for architects is that it can help streamline any onsite work. When using augmented reality on site, architects can overlay plans and models on their tablet or phone and see where they fit in the space that they are physically working in. Architects can utilize tools that they use in the office like their 3D design application of choice, and apply it directly onto the space that they are building. This eliminates the need for carrying around a ton of plans and papers to find a small bit of information.
This also allows architects to directly share their plans and information with their teams. Everyone on site can make direct changes to the building inside and out. The plans will be saved for further work and it will be easy to pull them up for reference whenever the architect is on site.
Create 3D Models
While most architects use 3D modeling software for their designs, augmented reality can help enhance those models. When working with clients, it can be hard to convey exactly what a design will look like without the help of a 3D model. These models make it easy for a client to see exactly what the building will look like and allow them the opportunity to ask for changes throughout the process.
With a 3D model in augmented reality, clients can now see what that 3D model will look like in real life. These models can sometimes be made more easily with the help of AR technology and can help architects and their clients stay on the same page throughout the design process of their build.
Design Analysis and Inspection
Augmented reality can revolutionize the design process for architects by aiding in design analysis. One of the biggest parts of an architect’s job is to analyze their designs and ensure that they make sense in the scope of the project. Not to mention that the designs are safe to build for those on site and those occupying the building later. Augmented reality can help render models that make it easy to see where any pain points might be hiding.
The use of augmented reality can also help out after the building is done. Down the road, augmented reality could help speed up and simplify the inspection process. These inspections can happen during the build or after. But it allows those on-site to take photos of the build and upload them into augmented reality designs.
Those working on the project will be able to access these photos from wherever they are and advise on what might be going well and what could benefit from improvement. This helps keep the design and construction on schedule as it avoids having to pause a project to wait for the correct person to show up at the site. It allows for teams to be collaborative whenever they need to be, even if they can’t make it to the site in person.
Conclusion
Architects can benefit from using augmented reality in their everyday work. Not only can it help create and render designs, but it also streamlines the entire design and construction process of a new building. Instead of wondering what it will look like at the end, you can see exactly what a construction will look like and how it will interact with its surroundings through every step of the process. This technology can help streamline the building process and leave little room for errors and delays down the line.