While we all sit back and marvel at manmade structures, little do we know that the construction industry faces incredible challenges. These include a shortage of construction managers, shortage of funds, improper planning or scheduling, and inaccuracies in time estimation and cost by contractors. 

While maestros in architecture can help you design, construct, and plan to build structures, they sometimes suffer from incredible bottlenecks and technical difficulties. This is where augmented reality can reduce hassles and enable them to overcome barriers. 

According to a recent study by Finances Online, the AR market was worth roughly $3.5 billion by 2017 and is projected to reach a staggering $198 billion by 2025. Furthermore, the AR market was worth $120 billion by 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 128.3% from 2017 to 2022. 

Moreover, custom app developments in AR will bolster 130.4% in AR system integration and 121.9% in AR consulting services. Plus, $380 million are projected to be spent in the infrastructure segment.

In light of this information, let's take a quick look at some of the ways augmented reality is impacting and influencing the architecture industry.   

Augment Sharing of Information

Augmented reality is deeply rooted in providing users with augmented visuals. This can include acute details about a particular object that can help construction workers and architecture make informed decisions. 

AR software can be programmed to depict helpful information for those in the construction industry to keep themselves updated with the central plan as well as follow instructions in a more accurate yet detailed manner.

An example of this can be taken from DAQRI Smart Glasses that are specifically designed for industrial use. These smart glasses offer 44 degrees of viewing angle and equipped with a 6th generation Intel Core m7 processor.

Better Allocation of Resources 

When we talk about resource management in the construction industry, it mainly refers to resources such as raw material, equipment, machinery, and manual labor. This naturally translates to applications in the supply chain where construction companies have to procure raw materials and building resources to construct structures. 

AR can help achieve shorter processes, minimize in-house costs, reduce downtime, and speed up production while boosting worker engagement and enhancing overall activities. Hence when it comes to storing and buying valuable construction resources, an example can be taken from DHL that utilizes AR for their warehousing activities.    

Crafting Intricate Designs & Patterns

As an architect, you are a technical expert and an artist who wants to express their own understanding of the science to showcase brilliant designs and patterns. 

Well, AR can help you there as well since it can help you plan complex and sophisticated designs into your building process, which offers you an incredible chance to explore creative new nuances and express yourself freely. 

An example can be taken from AR Sketchwalk, an augmented reality tool that allows designers to use the technology and dive into their sketches, thus offering their clients a truer sense of the space. 

Enhanced BIM

Building information modeling is a common process in construction and architecture where supported tools and technologies are utilized to generate and manage the digital representation of a project.

BIMs computer files that can be exchanged and extracted but can also come in handy to make a difficult decision-making process. Businesses and even government agencies use them to construct, design, maintain, and plan a diverse array of physical infrastructures. 

Now throw in AI in the mix, and you know where I am getting at. Not only can BIM be developed in a more realistic manner, but each model prepared can offer tons of information regarding all the design and infrastructure aspects to further aid construction companies and architects. An example can be taken from Augment, a SaaS (software as a service) platform from a company based in Paris and founded in October 2011 by Jean-Francois Chianetta.   

Dealing with Complex Projects

There are times when constructors and architects can run into technical difficulties that can make the entire process come to a standstill. This can greatly reduce the productivity of all the team members, and work coming to a halt is never a good sign in any industry, let alone the construction industry. 

This is where AR can offer technicians and builders to run around the problem they face and find better solutions that are more expedient and allow them to resume operations and therefore reduce downtime. GAMMA AR is an ideal example which is a dedicated AR construction app that contractors can use to detect faults in complex designs and pinpoint errors. 

Improve Structure Stability

Structural stability and safety is a huge concern when it comes to architecture and the construction industry. Designs have to be verified by authorities and thoroughly examined before they are given the green light for actual development and construction.

Furthermore, every building material like concrete and steel comes with its own mass, density, volume, and tensile strength, which architects and construction companies measure and calculate when going through design concepts. 

Appropriate use of building material can damage the integrity of the structure and be deemed a hazard. This is where AR can help in cross-checking designs for practicality and viability. The Danish company Dalux offers AR solutions for the civil construction industry that provide a free flow of information across all project stages.

Opening New Doors

No one can deny that AR and BIM hold the key to unlocking the construction industry's future in the coming years. Several experts in the industry are considering the deployment of RPA (robotic process automation) with the help of AR and VR technologies. 

While the main work will be performed with the help of robotics, they will be first studied using AR and VR technologies for their accuracy and the range of operations that they can perform. Hence it could very transform into an immersive environment where various equipment can be tested and redrafted accordingly. At Assignment Assistance UK, young learners are always advised to keep an eye on new technology and trends.

Projects with Improved Accuracy

When planning for a construction project, managers often have to take into account various variables to reduce loss and wastage of materials. Furthermore, construction managers also have to make sure that the blueprint for the design and structure are followed exactly, and all discrepancies are minimized. 

Morpholio is a good example of an app that architects can use to design the project by incorporating CAD (computer-aided design) in the planning phase. On the other hand, AugView is an augmented technology product that enables users to see things that are hidden out of sight. Pupils who request professionals to do my assignment UK may already be using AR apps today for various purposes.   

Stimulate Training and Expertise

The need for considerable and comprehensive training in any field is a must. Construction and architecture related industries are looking for AR technology to help new entrants into the market to learn and educate themselves. This will help them develop expertise in a quick amount of time while also offering them intricate details behind each process and maneuver. 

ARki is one of the many augmented reality apps available for architects that enables users to use a digital platform for the visualization of 3D designs. Similarly, you also have Fologram that transforms a 3D model into a full-sized construction instruction through augmented reality glasses such as Hololens.

Time Management Efficacies

With better planning, visualization, and resource management, there is no doubt that AR can help construction companies and architects to realize and materialize projects in shorter time periods. 

Naturally, as efficacies grow further, the workflow would also become easily manageable and less rigid. Removing friction from the process and numerous operations would eventually enable construction workers to deliver their task on time and avoid delays. 

For construction companies, this can be a remarkable cost-saving technique since more labor would be utilized in a well-directed manner, and less time would be wasted during processes. Take the SmartReality app, which utilizes augmented and virtual reality technology to transform 2D project plans into 3D interactive designs. 

Conclusion

It is only natural to consider AR as a viable tool for the architecture and construction industry, considering that both fields require exquisite and detailed visuals to deliver stupendous results. While many would consider AR still to be in its infancy, there is no doubt that in the coming years and as technology progresses, we will see greater renditions and uses of AR. 

One can pretty much expect even more potent designs and incorporate highly detailed visuals to deliver stunning outcomes. I hope this post was able to provide you with meaningful insights as to how AR can help those in the architecture industry. That is it for now. Cheers, and all the best for your future endeavors!

Author Bio: Stella Lincoln currently works as the Assistant Editor at Crowd Writer. This is where higher education students can acquire specialized dissertation help online from experts.

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