Immersive Design-to-Construction: A teaching experiment leveraging augmented reality (AR) for the contextual design modification, simulation, and assembly of parametric masonry walls

This paper presents experimental research about leveraging augmented reality (AR) for developing an immersive design-to-construction process, exploring the influence of this ARassisted method in architectural teaching and practice. It discusses the outcomes of a research seminar undertaken at Zhengzhou University in 2024. This immersive design-to-construction process proposed a series of interactive spacial holograms overlapped in real space with digital models and related data. The seminar was conceptualised to maximise
participants' understanding and application during the design-toconstruction process through AR visualisation, compared to conventional teaching and practice methods. To achieve the above aims, this seminar is divided into two preliminary experiments: a) AR
contextual design modification and simulation, and b) AR-assisted assembly. The task of the seminar was to design and assemble customised parametric masonry walls, reacting to the contextual environmental simulation requirements and sustainability needs. Ensuring accessibility to all participants, the employed workflow was driven by an instant connection between parametric modelling (Rhinoceros/Grasshopper) and holographic immersion (Fologram). Furthermore, based on participants’ experiences and research findings,
the pros and cons, and future development suggestions for leveraging AR in architectural education have been discussed and summarised.