Augmented Bricks an Onsite AR Immersive Design to Fabrication Framework for Masonry Structures

The Augmented Bricks research project aims to develop an immersive design to fabrication framework for the assembly of masonry building components by incorporating robotic fabrication and augmented reality (AR) technologies. Our method incorporates two main phases: firstly, the design phase in which users’ gestures and interactions are being identified in AR for the immersive design and simulation process; secondly, an innovative robotic assembly phase in which users can control a robotic arm for assembly by interacting with the AR user interface (UI). Our framework is validated by the design and assembly of four brick-based columns. Our findings highlight that the proposed design to fabrication framework offers a novel, intuitive design inspiration and experience beyond the traditional design methods. It returns the task of assembling parametric structures with high-tech equipment back to the designers, allowing them to master and participate in the entire design to the fabrication process. The impact of this practice-based research will allow architects and designers to modify and construct their designs more simply and intuitively through the AR environment.