starting point: 

How might architects employ new technology (Internet of Things, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Multiple Realities, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning) to articulate their value proposition and contribution in a context of increased specialisation?   

This topic may include consideration of opportunities for leveraging IoT/VR/AR/MR/AI/ML for performance analysis in Design for Fabrication.  

project summary: 

In the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector, design decisions are often based on assumptions, leading to spaces that fail to meet occupants’ needs. Early-stage communication between architects and clients is critical to align designs with end-users’ lived experiences, but translating preferences into decisions is challenging especially in large-scale or public projects where clients and end-users differ. Time, budget, and client demand further complicate this process, often prioritising profit over design quality. To secure developer and public investment in the quality of architectural outcomes, architects need to justify design choices with credible evidence, demonstrating measurable value. 

It is noteworthy that the basis of two pioneering approaches, including User-centred Design (UCD), and Evidence-based Design (EBD), is rooted in the effective relationship between the architect, the client, and the end-user. UCD is an iterative process that prioritises the needs, preferences, and experiences of end-users throughout all stages of design, while EBD applies credible research and measurable data to inform and validate design decisions for improved outcomes. UCD fills the gap in EBD by adding rich, contextual, real-time insights into users’ behavioural needs and provides participatory methods for capturing stakeholder needs early in the process. On the other hand, EBD strengthens UCD by adding validated knowledge and minimising risk through precedent data and measurable outcomes and offers a rigorous framework for linking design interventions to measurable post-occupancy evaluations (POE). 

Among new technologies, Immersive Technologies including Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) are reshaping the AEC design processes by enhancing architect, client and end-user engagement. Their potential for visualisation, simulation, and analysis enabling richer stakeholders dialogue and more precise interpretation of end-user spatial experiences. But there are still some gaps, which are: limited VR integration in design evaluations during design processes, need for benchmarking and validation against real-world data, underexplored MR benefits, adoption gap with existing workflows, limited integration with EBD and UCD and inconsistent validation of VR’s measurable design value. 

To address the gap the focus of this research is to design an interactive, practice-based framework integrating UCD, EBD, and immersive technologies. The framework will support early occupant feedback loops, improve communication, and ensure design decisions. One of the outcomes of this research will be a validated iterative design process model, adaptable for the existing workflows of architectural firms. The other outcome will be revisions on AEC guidelines, enhancing stakeholder engagement and prioritising human experience. Ultimately, the framework’s effectiveness will be tested through real-world case studies with industry partners, ensuring practical impact on architectural practice. 

References

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