How Augmented and Virtual Reality “Rebuild” the Architecture Business

Technology has been adopted by organizations in a variety of market niches. Whether used for simplifying a business process, as a marketing tool or for any other reason, nowadays technology plays quite an important role in the success of businesses. In our case, we will talk about how, by adopting augmented reality, architecture businesses can significantly improve their business practices and create a more personal experience for their customers.

Before we discuss the benefits of augmented and virtual reality used in the architecture business, we would like to clarify the difference between augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). AR augments the current reality by adding virtual elements to it, whereas VR isolates us from the real world and replaces it with a simulated one. Augmented and virtual reality make the surrounding environment interactive and digitally manipulated, which can be quite useful for architects when they prepare design proposals.

But what is the issue with current architecture designs? The answer is simple — they are not used to their full potential. Most architects present their projects by drawings. Yet, explaining a design to a customer by using just a drawing can be quite challenging, as it is difficult for the customer to truly understand the project. There is a possibility that the architect and the client may imagine the design in a slightly different way. Yet, they both might think that they hold the same image in their heads. However, such differences, even minor ones, might lead to customer dissatisfaction once the project is completed, and they may double the work of everyone involved with the project, such as engineers, designers, architects, project managers, and service providers. Some architects are using 2D and 3D models, which are presented on a computer. Yet, despite that they look more realistic than the drawings, it is still challenging for the customer to imagine every part of the project in detail, such as how tall is the ceiling is and what the space between the front entrance and the kitchen is.

Based on our experience with our clients from the architecture business, we know that by adding augmented and virtual reality to construction and architecture projects, such issues can be avoided from the beginning. An interactive 3D model of design will be placed onto the existing place and the customer will be able to see exactly how their project will look like once it is ready. No matter if we speak about building a house, an office, or about the interior design of an apartment, AR and VR will give your customers the chance to actually see their completed project.

You can see a presentation of an interactive 3D model of the building below. Just download the scanARchitect app from Google Play Store or Apple Store.

Let’s imagine that a client of yours would like to have a new house built. Instead of preparing a design on paper or on a computer, by combining augmented and virtual reality you will give your client a virtual tour in their new house. Via 360-degree Panoramas, your clients will be able to see the rooms, the entrances, the garages, the furniture. They will be able to have a walk around their living room and see whether it is as big as they want it to be, they will be able to look up and see how tall the ceiling is, etc. By using virtual architectural designs in existing conditions, you will provide your customers with a realistic view of what shall be built. In this way, you will decrease the chance of errors to a minimum, as the client will actually understand the design and the comments which are made will be accurate.

Augmented and virtual reality technologies give architects the advantage to make any changes, which would be difficult to be noticed on a piece of paper or on a computer. In this way, you, as an architect, will not only be 100% sure that the client has imagined their home in the exact same way, but you will also give them the ultimate customer experience. This will also give you a competitive advantage, as many architects still choose the old-fashioned ways to present their designs using, just a drawing or a model on a computer screen.

And let us not forget about one of the most powerful marketing tools, which is the word of mouth. By giving your customers an experience like this, they will mention it to others for sure. Not every architect is able to show their clients their dream house right away. The clients will also notice the benefits of seeing their project as completed, and they will be able to make accurate comments about modifications before the actual physical work has begun. In this way, you will save them time and money and they will thank you for it.

Now, let’s explain how this all works. The AR and VR technologies are developed in a way that recognizes design and overlays a virtual model of that design in the physical, real-world environment. Developing your own augmented or virtual reality app will cost you time and money, and that is why we came up with a solution of developing an app, which will not only save you time and resources, but you will also be able to use it right away. scanARchitect is an augmented and a virtual reality architectural visualization tool. It allows you to view buildings from a printed target and interact with them. Once the app is installed, all the user needs to do is point their smart device camera at the scanARchitect target and they will be able to interact with the 3D model in real-time. In this way customers will be able to see things as how different floors will look like, the lighting in their building, they will be able to go through different project phases, which will give them a full understanding of their project, as each phase and item included in the construction will be viewable through the interactive 3D model.

Demo video of the scanARchitect app

Augmented and virtual realities have their place in the architecture business, as the numerous benefits, they provide both to the architects and to their customers. By using AR and VR, architects will no longer have to try to explain designs to customers, without being sure that the customer imagines the exact same thing. In the same way, customers will be happy as they will be able to see their projects as completed and make any accurate modifications based upon what they saw. This innovative approach will be a win-win situation for both sides, leaving them satisfied with the work that has been done.

If you are an architect, we will be happy to help you on your journey with technological innovations right away. Please, feel free to reach us at http://scanarchitect.com/#contact, so that we can answer any questions that you might have.