Nowadays, routine practices in architecture are being reimagined and reshaped – often entirely – by technology. At the epicentre of architectural digitisation are Building Information Modelling (BIM) systems, which help architects and building professionals conceptualise, design, and construct structures of all shapes and sizes.

The influence and applications of BIM systems are well-established within the architecture industry, but what is gaining new ground and attention among architects is their continued integration with Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).

The fusion of both AR and VR with incumbent BIM systems is, to put it bluntly, and without hyperbole, transforming the way architects can work and apply their services now and in the future.

Where can AR/VR be applied in BIM?

Collaborative BIM software utilises 3D models to provide insights and visuals to plan, design, manage, and construct buildings and infrastructure. In any architecture firm, the adoption of BIM 3D modelling software can dramatically improve workflows and drastically reduce the risk of human error, among other benefits.

Over time, BIM modelling software has improved and now has reached a point where AR and VR involvement can become both seamless and advantageous.

Stronger visualisation

The embedding of AR/VR with BIM principally allows stakeholders to visualise 3D models of structures in a real-world setting. Architects can now better understand spatial relationships and intent, and present their designs with greater accuracy, allowing clients and stakeholders to experience spaces before they’re built.

In turn, this empowers project teams to communicate more effectively with each other by overlaying digital information onto physical elements, reducing the risks of miscommunication. Autodesk, as a go-to BIM modelling solution for many architects, has recently introduced the ability to create immersive environments with the help of Navisworks. Users can export VR visualisations from this tool to then display them through Autodesk.

Overlaying BIM models into real-world sites provides a huge decision-making aid while allowing for the early identification of design flaws or installation issues, thus saving time and resources.

Improving collaboration

AR and VR both facilitate collaboration in architectural projects. Not only can design teams conduct time-saving virtual walkthroughs from any location, but clients can interact with BIM models in a more immersive and intuitive way. Feedback and iterations can be delivered in real-time, more quickly and efficiently, reducing bottlenecks and disruption in the construction journey.

Trimble is another widely recommended all-in-one BIM solution that has recently begun incorporating AR into products ranging from Trimble Connect for real-time collaboration to Trimble SiteVision to streamline product workflows to scale. On-site workers can use HoloLens 2 and FieldLink integrations with physical PPE and apparel for a truly groundbreaking experience in the field.

Such a collaborative approach can foster an environment of improved collaboration that thrives on creativity and input from multiple parties. As a result, architects can proactively and easily resolve clashes between different building systems, reducing errors and expensive physical labour on-site.

Making on-site construction easier

AR/VR integration goes beyond the digital design phase in BIM modelling and well into the construction stage. AR can guide on-site teams by overlaying BIM data onto a physical site, ensuring that elements are placed correctly and pass quality assurance tests. Meanwhile, VR provides an interactive way to train and upskill personnel on building and material specifications before they set foot on-site.

Golf Swing Systems, while primarily known for its B2C golf simulation software, has embraced VR adoption to create immersive training and improvement experiences. This not only illustrates the versatile nature of VR in any incumbent software but can accurately provide real data to improve learning and accuracy at a granular level.

Consequently, AR/VR improves safety, reduces errors, and streamlines processes end-to-end.

Challenges and future applications

Despite the clear benefits of using VR/AR in BIM, this kind of integration is not absolved from challenges. Specialist training, high upfront costs and resistance to change from within established architecture firms are just some hurdles that the industry must eventually overcome.

Having said this, the integration of BIM with AR/VR represents a huge leap forward for the architecture profession. As technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), cloud infrastructure, and haptic feedback will no doubt evolve and become more readily available, architects who embrace the AR/VR and BIM immersion now will find themselves in a promising position to be tech-enabled for the future.