A portal through the time-space continuum has been opened, allowing glimpses into a different dimension layered onto our own. Recent releases, such as Apple Vision Pro, have pushed the boundaries of spatial computing and introduced a dystopian kind of reality into our daily lives.
In terms of advanced technology, augmented reality (AR) is among the most accessible to the public, as users can easily engage with it via smartphone apps or WebAR. As of 2021, the mobile augmented reality market was worth $12.45 billion; this is forecast to grow more than $36 billion in the year 2026. It has reshaped various industries worldwide, such as business, entertainment, and architecture, through the use of both apps and hands-free AR devices.
This article introduces the fundamentals of Augmented Reality (AR), explaining its mechanisms and distinguishing it from Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR). It then delves into AR’s practical applications in architecture, offering insights into how this technology is reshaping the industry’s future.
Augmented Reality Explained
The word “augmented” refers to the enhancement or increase of something (object or place) by adding elements on top of it. In the context of technology, augmented reality (AR) is an interactive experience of a real-world environment overlaid by computer-generated perceptual information, such as visuals, sounds, and other sensory stimuli.
By using AR hardware like glasses, smartphones, or headgear, digital content seamlessly integrates with real-life environments and objects to create an interwoven and immersive experience that alters the user’s perception of the real world.
History and Development of AR
1968: Birth of AR – Computer scientist Ivan Sutherland introduced the “Sword of Damocles” – the world’s very first AR/VR headset.
1990: The Name Game – Boeing researcher Tom Caudell coined the term “augmented reality” to describe a digital display system that can assist in complex assembly tasks.
2008: AR in Your Pocket – The launch of the first mobile AR app, Wikitude, allowed users to overlay information onto the real-world surroundings through their smartphone screens.
2015: Social Media – Snapchat introduced AR filters, turning selfies into playful and creative expressions.
2016: Pokémon GO Craze – Pokémon GO took the world by storm, bringing and cementing AR into mainstream consciousness. This game showcased the potential of AR for interactive and immersive experiences.
How Augmented Reality Works?
To engage with AR technology, you can download a smartphone app (often free) or purchase special gear like glasses, headsets, and even contact lenses. This is the general process of how AR operates:
Capturing the Environment: The camera of an AR-enabled device captures the user’s surroundings or specific objects. This could be anything from a painting on the wall or the layout of a house.
Creating a Digital Twin: A 3D digital replica of the captured object or space then resides in the software’s cloud. By continuously collecting and sharing data, this digital twin bridges between real and virtual environments.
Overlaying Digital Information: Through the use of trackers (such as GPS, accelerometers, and orientation sensors) the AR device downloads and overlays relevant data from the cloud onto the physical captured object or space.
Interactive Experience: The seamless flow of data from both the physical and digital realms engages the user in an augmented environment. This continuous interaction happens through touchscreens, voice commands, or gestures.
Comparing Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Mixed Reality
Augmented reality (AR)— enhances the physical world by overlaying digital information.
You can still see the real world and interact with it. For example, AR can help you furnish a house room and test various furniture in the space. Physical reality remains but gets enhanced by the addition of a virtual couch which is only visible through a touchscreen.
Virtual reality (VR)— completely isolates the real world and transports one to another virtual environment.
It is only accessible through a head-mounted display and situates the user in another world. For example, instead of observing 3D models from a screen, VR can transport architects inside them to have a real-scale experience. Not only is it used in architecture but also in healthcare, education, and entertainment with metaverse platforms like Decentraland.
Mixed reality (MR)— combines AR and VR to create an interactive bridge between the physical and virtual world.
A perfect blend between imagination and reality. Imagine being in a museum that exhibits the ancient civilization of Egypt. With VR, you are completely transported into the Pyramids of Giza and cut off from the museum space. AR can overlay video graphics and digital information over the museum’s artifacts. MR, however, lets you see and interact with holographic artifacts within the real environment. This allows you to pick up a virtual vase that will shatter on the real floor if you drop it. Digital objects interact with you and the real world, making them more than just distant information. Microsoft HoloLens perfectly exemplifies this technology.
Applications of Augmented Reality in Architecture
AR is revolutionizing the conventional landscape of architecture, pushing boundaries and redefining the norms in unprecedented ways. This technology has proven itself of great indispensable use to architects and engineers in the same way that CAD software did – maybe even better. These examples demonstrate the impact of AR on the various aspects of architecture.
Visualization Tool in Design
Modeling software often comes with a steep learning curve , rendering it less accessible to many creative designers. The journey from an architect’s conceptual vision to a tangible reality is very challenging. AR is giving an unparalleled chance for designers, and even amateurs, to vividly materialize their imagination then experience it in real time. With a simple hand gesture, scale and form can be manipulated to create an interactive design process. This cuts down on the time spent learning a program and focuses on architectural design.
Trace Morpholio AR Sketchwalk is an all-in-one application that perfectly exemplifies how architects can immerse themselves in their mind sketches and effectively communicate them to others.
Ease Collaboration Within Teams
When it comes to collaborations and teamwork, augmented reality cuts straight through the noise. While sketching and brainstorming are invaluable tools for architects, the challenge lies in ensuring that all team members share a common vision – or at least understand each other. AR serves as a conduit that visually conveys mental images to colleagues, expediting the design process which leads to a profound comprehension of the project. Such seamless workflow allows for spotting issues early in the design process. AR tools can also facilitate the onboarding and training for new employees or contractors to get up to speed with the details and specifics of a project.
Magic Leap 2 AR provides a robust platform for spatial computing, and reiterates how professionals visualize, collaborate, and execute their projects. Its headset is designed to seamlessly blend digital objects with the real world, making it ideal for applications in architecture, engineering, healthcare, and more.
Enhance Communication with Clients
Conveying a design idea to a colleague is already challenging, but explaining it to an investor or client presents an even greater difficulty. Despite the ease that digital tools like real-time 3D rendering and cloud computing provide, AR elevates architect-client communications even further. For example, an interior designer can provide stakeholders with a live or screen walkthrough; and as they express preferences or aversions to certain materials, adjustments can be made instantaneously. Similarly, an architect can project an urban project in its destined location to an investor and let them have a tangible experience.
Real-time Technical Guidance
In execution and construction, mistakes can be costly, time-consuming, and even life-threatening. AR tools now provide contractors and builders real-time guidance and precise visual aids. By overlaying digital instructions onto the construction site, misunderstandings of the architectural design are significantly reduced – arguably even eliminated. This technology utilizes computational design which surpasses traditional project management by enabling architects to accurately calculate construction costs and timeframes, thereby minimizing money, material, and labor waste.
Gamma AR provides BIM-integrated software tailored for architecture and construction. By precisely positioning BIM models on-site, it enables team members to seamlessly compare real-time construction progress with the project’s digital blueprint.
Immersive Experience of History
Wonder and imagination overwhelm our curiosity upon looking at black and white pictures, making history a fascinating realm to explore. Museums have been taking the walk down history lane quite literally by offering downloadable AR applications to interact with historic and modern art. Our phones have become peeking windows to past realities. This notion is further elevated with AR wearables, giving us the closest experience to time traveling.
Time traveling, how so?
Imagine getting to experience the glory of the Colosseum exactly as it once were. Actually this may be next on CoopCulture’s agenda after successfully bringing to life the Baths of Caracalla in Rome from the third century AD. The whole archaeological site becomes accessible for visitors with the use of VR/AR goggles that provide detailed visualizations and audio guides to transcend you back to Rome.
Transform Architectural Education
In the traditional design studio, even the brightest student struggles with fully grasping the notion of proportion, spatial relationships, forms, structures, and the construction process. Through immersive design technology, virtual tours, and alternative data representation methods, the time needed for a student to understand the fundamentals of architectural design is shortened tremendously.
Rather than spending four years engaged in theoretical design education devoid of practical, on-site experience, awaiting an internship opportunity, or depending on post-graduation jobs, students can now graduate as well-rounded professionals fully prepared to meet industry demands.
Augmented reality is heralding a new era of architectural innovation, cultivating a generation of architects unbound by the constraints of time. We may finally capture the enigmatic grace of Greek and Roman builders, and ourselves create structures that will awe future generations.
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