The New ARchitecture: How augmented reality will change the way we design space.

Hermaton Spatial Game at BoshShine Festival.

In this era of mobile computation, it is important to understand how architectural space is continually determined through digital interfaces, as much as it is by its physical counterparts. As computational intelligence strengthens within the domain of augmented reality technology, it becomes vital to understand how people experience physical space through a series of digitally crafted landscapes, and how these digital interfaces can become embedded within architectural design and fabrication.

At present, augmented reality technology is widely used within the architectural design process, predominantly for visualising virtual models, and experiencing designs in a more immersive manner. However with the emergence of greater mobile computation, digital headwear, and smarter environmental tracking capabilities, we are faced with the challenge of designing meaningful responses to AR technology, which surpass, mere visualisation, and question our uses for such computation from a spatial perspective.  In this way the use of virtual architecture within the realm of augmented reality becomes itself, the product, easily superimposed onto the real world, without the constraints of physical construction and materiality. The challenge however remains a design agenda, how do we create physical architecture to accommodate augmented reality interfaces?
Moreover how do we create spatial augmented realities, which provide meaningful responses to our social and environmental conditions?
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In this article lets explore the many ways in which current AR technology can be deployed to revitalise the built environment.

1: Gaming 

Gaming is a widely practiced use within AR, especially after the success of Pokomon go, and the start of location-specific social gaming. Understanding how to create new social experiences within the built environment provides a whole host of new programmes that could be introduced into public spaces such as parks, and museums. The ability to make location specific gaming experiences which work on top of physical architecture allows users to create a new form of connection with spaces, providing entertainment, social engagement, and a new identity to physical architecture.

2: Way-finding 

The ability to augment outdoor spaces or inside public buildings such as museums, airports, and shopping centres, allows designers to consider how new AR landscapes can be configured within physical architecture, and how way-finding in AR can assist in creating an intuitive spatial experience. Peak Finder app is an initial example of how AR can be used with location specific services to help define the names of nearby mountains in a simple, easy to understand way-finding AR experience!

3: Information

Creating an information layer within the built environment beyond what is google-able is exactly what makes AR so intriguing for location-based spaces. Information in AR can be displayed as a series of 3d artefacts, or 2d images arranged in 3d space, and provide a whole host of interactive experiences which can help visitors understand their experience more intuitively. BBC Civilisations app did this beautifully by allowing millions to access 3d artefacts from museums all over the UK directly from their mobile phone. The significance of this is the capability to use AR as a way to encapsulate information and share this as a spatial exploration beyond simple screen based viewing. The use of augmented reality in this way allows museums and galleries to extend their outreach, and share their information beyond the physical.

​4: Consumerism

When AR is an integrated part of our everyday experience, it is easy to see how physical objects in retail will essentially become an extension of the AR layer. What is the AR layer? Well once physical reality becomes extended into augmented reality, we will be able to explore menus, retail stores and advertising boards as an entry point to a greater portal of commercial activity. Apps like Ikea Place have allowed their 3d stock to enter directly into our living spaces, by superimposing our physical environment with potential pieces of retail furniture that can be magically embedded into our mobile Vision.

​5: Art

Street art in Augmented reality can take a whole new direction without the constraints of materiality. In this arena of street art it is possible to envision how zero material limitation can potentially open up the built environment to a new world of digital landscapes, that can both invigorate, and challenge our current societal make-up. Lens studio by snapchat have already started this conversation by allowing users to create 3d artwork that can be shared by million over snapchat, potentially opening up the built environment for new augmentations.

Conclusion:
Working with AR provides infinite possibilities for creating new realities within our existing architectural fabric. The ability to mould space through the inclusion of new virtual landscape allows designers, and architects to consider the infusion of material and virtual worlds, which coexist together and work seamlessly to bring a new dimension of reality into our world.

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