Introduction to Immersive Technologies in Architecture
Architectural design has traditionally relied on 2D methods of representation, akin to elevations, sections, and floor plans, paired with digital renderings of 3D models. However, these tools have limitations, as they continue to be in a two-dimensional format, which might distance the viewer from the lived experience of a project. Recently, architects have begun to explore immersive technologies, including Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR), as a solution to bridge this gap between drawing and experience.
Understanding AR, VR, and MR
Extended Reality (XR) will be classified into three most important types: Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR). AR enhances the actual world with digital content, while VR fully immerses the user in a totally virtual environment. MR lies between these extremes, using head-mounted displays (HMDs) with see-through lenses that superimpose 3D models onto the user’s view. For clarity, Class 1 systems, which use monitor-based systems, shall be known as AR, and Class 2 and three systems, which use HMDs, shall be known as MR.
How Users Perceive Space
Architectural design just isn’t only about defining space but additionally about anticipating how people will perceive and move through it. The way users interpret an area will depend on geometry, intuition, individual knowledge, and experiences. Kevin Lynch described this as an area’s "legibility," or how easily it could be understood and arranged mentally. Immersive environments, akin to MR, can simulate this faithfully, allowing architects and clients to interact with a design as a spot to walk through, observe, and interpret.
Comparing 2D Drawings and MR in Design Understanding
A study conducted by the National Taiwan University in 2021 explored the effectiveness of 2D drawings and MR in design understanding. Participants were divided into two groups: one analyzed an interior design proposal using printed architectural drawings and coloured renderings, while the opposite used an explorable MR 3D model seen through an MR headset. The results showed that MR technology allowed users to know around 85% of the general design proposal, in comparison with 75% with 2D methods. However, the study also concluded that MR doesn’t fully replace 2D; as an alternative, it’s about balance. Both MR and 2D are suitable for identifying spaces and general layout, but 2D plans are higher for specific measurements, demolition plans, and countable elements. MR, then again, is healthier for understanding how elements interact, materials, and textures.
Integrating MR into Current Design Review Workflows
MR has the potential to facilitate inclusive and interdisciplinary collaboration by bridging the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders. Clients or end users with limited experience in reading architectural drawings can engage with the space intuitively using MR headsets. This allows them to present feedback grounded in their very own perceptual experience, fairly than abstract interpretations. By combining MR with traditional tools, architectural teams can complement their technical evaluations with a richer experiential understanding from the client, resulting in more holistic and user-validated design outcomes.
Conclusion
Immersive technologies, including AR, VR, and MR, are revolutionizing the sector of architecture by providing latest ways to inhabit and assess spatial proposals. By understanding how users perceive space and comparing the effectiveness of 2D drawings and MR in design understanding, architects can integrate MR into their current design review workflows, facilitating inclusive and interdisciplinary collaboration. As the sector continues to evolve, it’s essential to explore the potential of immersive technologies in architecture, resulting in more informed, client-centered decisions and more holistic design outcomes.
