How AR/VR is transforming building system prototyping
Before now, Building engineers collaborated with architects, mechanical engineers, and other professionals in the built environment leveraging the use of 2D mechanical design models to pass across information. However, while it worked to a large extent, it didn’t come without its own challenges which could derail overall project success.
Costly errors were made in 2D mechanical designs making it challenging to represent every aspect of a complex construction project. Also, There was limited collaboration and comprehensive visualization in 2D designs which led to design inefficiency and conflicts.
The future of mechanical designs is 3 Dimensional and in the last few years, we have seen quite a number of design software (Revit, Solid works, Autodesk inventor, Fusion 360) capitalizing on this to varying degrees of success. They all have their shortcomings.
However, the introduction of AR/VR technologies to solve this pressing need is a game changer as it offers a whole new level of experience without any of the flaws of the previous 3D design software in use before now.
LIMITATIONS OF TRADITIONAL DESIGN REVIEWS
Design reviews in the past were done using 2D models which show the design in different dimensions. While they served its purpose then as that was what was available at the time, it wasn’t without its limitation which hindered effective design reviews in the building industry, Some of which are discussed below
- Limited Spatial Understanding: It was difficult to interpret these flat 2D designs in terms of how it relates to space available. They were at best hypothetical drawings that any misunderstanding could lead to error during construction especially when certain parts of the design fit well in the design but for strange reasons clash when implemented.
- Communication Bottlenecks: 2D drawings required a solid grasp of understanding every part which are not well pronounced. You have to leverage your knowledge to visualize it mentally and that only goes well if you are a professional. But what then happens to non-technical stakeholders who can’t quite grasp it? This disrupts collaboration and effective communication between the relevant stakeholders with vested interest in the project.
- Inefficient Design Reviews: Reviewing complex designs with 2D drawings or models can be time-consuming as well. It becomes difficult to identify potential issues relating to building accessibility.
- Abstract Representation: Certain real world scenarios like lightning in a different environment, shadow, and scale won’t be represented properly in 2D models. It becomes difficult to explain this pressing characteristics to non technical stakeholders as they might not understand the context of what you mean as there is no visual representation.
- Limited Iteration and Feedback: It is difficult to make changes to a 2D design/model as one correction to be made requires revisions to multiple angles of the drawings, which slows down the work completion.
INTRODUCTION OF AR/VR/XR IN BUILDING SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Extended reality is a universal term that cuts across Augmented reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR). it is a massive market which is relatively untapped in the building industry and it offers infinite potential.
Extended Reality blends the physical and virtual environment together to produce an engaging and immersive experience. It is made up of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality.
- Augmented Reality (AR): This technology lets you overlay virtual information or objects onto the real world. You get to view images, texts, 3D models and animation via your smartphone or tablet screens or through the use of AR glasses. A notable example of this feature in the building profession is when you can view a complete building model of a countryside house with all its key detail right in your physical space by leveraging the use of AR on any flat surface available.
- Virtual Reality (VR): This technology takes you away from your immediate surrounding into an alternate reality, in this case, a virtual environment where you can interact with the digital environment simulation through the use of cutting edge VR headset to obtain a hyper-realistic view of what isn’t physically present but could exist in another instance if development takes place.
A prime example is when a client wants to buy a house but is miles away from where the house is situated, the VR headset lets such client experience what it would feel like inspecting such a house if they were in the physical location on which the house is situated, they also get to interact with every component, go from door to door, even interact with another person in that virtual environment.
It is important to note that the client’s interaction was with the 3D replica of the exact house. Meta Quest 2 and HTC Vive Focus 3 are VR headsets that make this experience possible.
- Mixed Reality (MR) : In mixed reality, digital and real-world objects co-exist in the same plane, and can interact with one another in real-time. It requires a MR headset and a lot more processing power than VR or AR which allows you to place digital objects into the room you are standing in and give you the ability to spin it around or interact with the digital object in any way possible.
It gives you so much freedom to interact with an entity while leveraging the best of both immersive technology (AR and VR). Magic Leap one and Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 are two headsets that make this experience possible.
TRANSFORMING DESIGN REVIEWS WITH AR/VR
AR/VR/MR (Extended Reality) has the power to change the way we approach BIM (Building Information Modeling), 3D designs, and prototyping by serving a link between our current reality and the digital world, making it easier to understand and collaborate on for everyone involved. Design reviews with AR/VR helps with the following:
- Enhanced Visualization: With the aid of your tablet or smartphone, AR superimposes digital data or objects onto the real world making it easier for you to interact with them.
For example, when a construction worker holds up their tablet, they can practically see the plumbing system that is going to be installed inside the unfinished walls. This breaks down complex designs for everyday users.
VR creates a fully immersive experience where users can “walk through” a 3D model of the building at scale, allowing them to experience the space and identify potential issues before construction begins.
- Design review in a virtual environment: Users can do a virtual walk-through in a 3D building model or whatever simulation is provided, ensuring key stakeholders understand how project data will translate into the built environment when development has taken place. This enables teams to detect design flaws early which prevents wastage.
- Improved Collaboration: XR allows teams that are geographically separated to come together virtually and interact in real-time with the same 3D model.
A VR headset allows a client and professionals in the built environment (architects, engineers) convene in a virtual environment to discuss design rationale and changes to be made, identify potential issues between different systems, and make collective decisions. This technology helps streamline communication and decision-making.
- Design Accessibility: AR makes complex BIM models easier to understand for those unfamiliar with technical drawings and building jargon often used. They can interpret the design just by interacting with it in their environment. This let’s them have a solid grasp of what the architect is trying to show them thereby improving communication and buy-in from key stakeholders.
REAL WORLD APPLICATION AND CASE STUDIES
Companies are already leveraging the use of XR technologies
- Company-X provides architects with AR-enhanced BIM giving them a unique way of presenting their finished projects to clients and key stakeholders. This offers an immersive and refreshing feel as architects can visualize their design works and get feedback from the client before any work begins. You can view it in action here
- Stantec is a large global engineering and architectural firm based in Canada, offering a suite of consultative and technical solutions for their clients around the globe. They offer their clients Immersive experience such that they can walk through a future state using an AR/VR environment to understand what a post construction environment might look like.
- Red Star is an home inspection company that leverages the use of virtual reality technology to close sales for realtors and real estate companies.
CONCLUSION
AR/VR/MR technology is revolutionizing building system prototyping. By creating immersive virtual environments, engineers can now visualize and interact with 3D models in real-time.
This technology encourages improved design reviews, allowing stakeholders to identify and address potential issues early. Additionally, AR/VR/MR ensures collaboration that is seamless, enabling geographically dispersed teams to walk through designs together virtually and make modifications.
This streamlined approach reduces errors, saves time, and ultimately leads to the creation of more efficient and functional building systems.
