Gensler & Trimble: Augmented reality enters the design process

We’re always looking at the horizon. We need to know what’s coming. We need to understand change as it approaches. It’s essential that we continue to evolve and be prepared to pivot so that we can adapt to the world we work in. When the technology company Trimble approached us with their Augmented Reality software for design, we’d already been discussing internally how the advanced visualization technologies of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality would be implemented across our design ecosystem. This opportunity came at the perfect time, making tools available for us to begin building a process. With a process in place, we’re able to ensure that we have the knowledge and experience to best use this technology for ourselves and our clients as it is inevitably integrated into the everyday.

Gensler – Microsoft Hololens from Gensler LA on Vimeo.

For now we start with our design process. With the Trimble Software for Microsoft’s HoloLens device we’re able to bring into the physical world what exists only digitally. All of the things we design using programs on our computers can now be brought out to the places where we intend to implement them. We can experience designs that might someday be reality without having to expend the physical effort and material costs. We can share with our clients our ideas in ways that previously required us to build things out of disposable materials to understand them in the same manner. But now we can share more. We can propose more innovative ideas. We can explore more options and share those options in a manner that heightens the ability to connect with the experience.

These tools, both the software and the hardware are in their infancy. They’re only beginning to share their opportunities. We kicked this collaboration with Trimble off to find the edges and challenge what is known. We’re excited to share what we find as we develop process and continue to use these tools in our practice. Stay tuned because more is coming very soon.