Augmented Masonty Design: a design method using Augmented Reality (AR) for customised bricklaying design algorithms

The Augmented Masonry Design project presents
experimental research about developing and applying Augmented
Reality (AR) technology for customized design algorithms, exploring
a real-time, interactive, and spatial-free design method for the early
architectural design stage. We aim to resolve the current 2D-based
design limitations and provide architects with a 3D-4D immersive
perception in AR for a practical and easy-to-use design method.
Furthermore, with reference to the Covid-19 pandemic, we propose
that this method could break through site accessibility and constraints
by breaking the barriers of physical space. Towards this aim, we apply
the Augmented Masonry Design into two prototypes: a) user interface
(UI) immersive design, in which interactive inputs will communicate
with design algorithms in AR through the inputs from the screenbased UI on mobile devices (e.g., smartphones and tablets); b)
intuitive interaction immersive design, in which interactive inputs will
be translated to design algorithms directly in AR through hand
gestures on head-mounted devices (HMD) (e.g., Microsoft HoloLens).
Our Findings highlight the advantages of immersive design in the
initial stage of architectural drafts, which gives designers better spatial
understanding and design creativity, as well as the challenges arising
from the limitations of current AR devices and the lack of real
physical simulation in the design system.