Visualizing Construction Projects Using Holography
Nathan Blinn, Ralph Tayeh, Raja R. A. Issa · Construction Research Congress 2018 · 2018
In the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) industry, different visualization techniques are used to represent a project. These techniques range from printed two-dimensional (2D) drawings to full 3D building information modeling (BIM) display. Recently, the AECO industry has seen an increase in the research and application of wearable virtual and augmented reality technology for project visualization as well. The purpose of this research is to develop and evaluate a new visualization technique which does not require wearable or individual devices, enabling group collaborative visualization. The proposed technique is a less-expensive technology based on creating holographic illusions directly from BIM models. The proposed hardware is designed to be used on a meeting table where the hologram can be seen from any point and manipulated by meeting attendees using hand gestures and/or voice commands. Content for the proposed device is developed directly from BIM models and imported into the visualization environment. The developed prototype includes sample projects where the user can rotate the building by floor, as well as compare models of each construction discipline, thus enabling model coordination and review activities. The aim of this study is to develop a holographic model visualization system (HMVS), which can seamlessly interface with existing BIM models, to facilitate the understanding of project-related issues in live-projects or academic settings. Additionally, researchers are working to develop add-ins and workflows which enable the direct export of a BIM model for display directly via the holographic projector, without the need for additional user manipulation. Moving forward this research will be expanded to include the testing of the developed HMVS’s performance, as well as the ability to detect clashes, change materials, and compare planned versus actual construction progress using the developed holographic visualization technique.