1
Virtual Reality
If you have ever completed
a project and were unhappy
with the results, help has
arrived. Virtual reality bridges the visual
gap and allows you to experience the
space by “walking” into your design,
observing materials, lighting, volume
of space, and more. You can position
objects in the space to sense what they
will be like in reality. You’ll be able to
see specific details, for example,
• What is the line of sight from the
front office?
• Will students and guests find their
way easily because the flow naturally
makes sense?
• Does the anticipated arrangement
of the room work for the number of
students in the class?
But the possibilities don’t end there.
2
Augmented Reality
Not long ago, the only way
architects and construction
professionals could see
their plans was on paper or in com-
puter simulations. Now, those in the
building industry and their clients
can strap on a pair of hi-tech goggles
containing sophisticated software and
experience a holographic, interactive
view of their concepts and layouts.
This augmented reality (AR) —
sometimes called mixed reality —
combines vision with the real world,
providing an accurate view of what
the future could be. As thoughts,
plans, and designs emerge and prog-
ress, districts and their architectural
teams can see the designs come to
life — virtually — and change the
plans in mere minutes.
With AR you can overlay a digital
model with real-world information.
You can see where a duct or wall is
supposed to be installed while “walk-
ing” the construction site. You can en-
vision an entire building from various
positions on the property, comparing
angles and views. Virtual and aug-
Construction Technology
mented reality take the mystery out of
the planning process, allowing stake-
holders to see and understand what
is possible, reducing frustration and
rework, and ultimately creating better,
more functional buildings.
3
Drones
Drones, quadcopters, and
other unmanned aerial
systems are no longer just
expensive toys. The construction in-
dustry uses them in a variety of ways to
produce timely information and useful
“drone’s-eye views.” They’re being
used to survey progress, to review
site logistics and staging, and even to
conduct quick safety audits. Addition-
ally, it is now possible to inspect remote
or difficult-to-reach areas like rooftop
equipment, as well as to conduct digital
surveys using special attachments like
sensors, lasers, or scanners.
With their ability to be quickly mo-
bilized, to examine the perimeter of
the job site, to identify the placement
of equipment and vehicles, and to
check on individuals, drones provide
the additional data for surveillance and
better decisions. They also improve
employee safety and job site security.
4
Project Management
and Communication
Software
Current software now
digitizes processes like
estimating and bidding,
while also facilitating communica-
tion among stakeholders. Using the
latest digital tools reduces the risk
of errors that can result in expensive
and time-consuming backtracking
during construction.
Software enables teams to collab-
orate in real time on files, task lists,
schedules, notes, images, and draw-
ings. Such apps and software suites
allow supervisors, clients, and manag-
ers to chat, view personnel availability,
stream video or web conferences, or
even take control of another person’s
computer to collaborate and maintain
mutually agreed-on details.
Some examples of common apps
and software products are Microsoft
Teams, Slack, Procore, Viewpoint
Vista, and Skype for Business. Many
of these project management software
products are cloud based, allowing
anytime, anyplace access to proj-
ect information by the design and
construction team, as well as by the
client — using a computer, tablet, or
smartphone.
Greater transparency, via software,
can often reduce friction and misun-
derstandings throughout the construc-
tion process.
5
Three-Dimensional
Printing
and Prefabrication
Uses for 3-D printing within
the construction industry
are growing every day.
These systems can provide small-scale
models for presentation and review, as
well as entire parts for project installa-
tion. Three-dimensional printing of en-
tire buildings is even being attempted
through a concrete extrusion process.
Prefabrication allows for more
precise installation of elements, which
can be formed in large, integrated, and
coordinated portions. These 3-D ele-
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