As many architects know, throughout each phase of a project, finding ways to streamline production and efficiency is vital, as are improving cost efficiency and project delivery times. Several construction companies are combining their use of design platforms like BIM with augmented reality (AR) applications to help achieve these and other goals. The future of construction is changing as a result. 

Chicago-based Pepper Construction, for example, combines BIM approaches and Microsoft HoloLens to help design and construct their projects. Most recently, the firm applied these techniques to the construction of a new housing and academic facility at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). 

The construction team, in collaboration with UIC, American Campus Communities, and architects Solomon Cordwell Buenz, turned their job site into an integrative and interactive construction zone.

Harrison Hall Construction. Video courtesy of UIC life.

Pepper Construction shares on their website, "We created a 3D laser scan of each floor before and after concrete was poured. Each issue identified by the scans saves days of delays and thousands of dollars in potential fixes. Traditionally, scans are uploaded and rendered in a process that could take days. With the new data access network, we were able to open up Tekla and BIM models anywhere on site." 

"Complex building projects require constant updates and additional drawing details [...] as drawing details for UIC evolved, we were able to instantly transmit vital information to the job site," the company writes.  By pairing the HoloLens with BIM software, the team was able to verify specific installation specs through out the infrastructure with ease, ultimately saving time and improving construction accuracy on the project. 

Have a background in BIM? Don't miss this week's job round up of BIM employment opportunities featured on Archinect Jobs.