HoloBrick: a contextual design and analysis workflow for parametric masonry façade utilizing augmented reality

This paper presents experimental research about developing a contextual design and analysis workflow utilizing augmented reality (AR) technology to enrich the current design process with an immersive experience. The limitation in the current design process is that due to the lack of spatial perception of the architectural draft on-site preview, designers sometimes find it difficult to fully evaluate their design proposals, which often causes unreasonable design outcomes and incomplete related analysis. To respond to the above problems, the HoloBrick research aims to create a unique augmented parametric algorithm for masonry façade designs to develop and validate the proposed contextual AR-assisted design and analysis workflow, which consists of two phases: a) AR contextual design, and b) AR contextual analysis and modification. The research findings highlight the advantages of using AR in the design and analysis process, such as providing immersive preview and interactive input methods, analyzing design outcomes within context, and enhancing draft modifications with better understanding, which are not offered in the current design process.