HYPHAE HOUSE: use of Augmented Reality through smartphones in the worksite
Authors: Victor Sardenberg, Ana Luisa Rolim, André Figueiredo, Rafael Rattes, Clarissa Duarte e Dyego Digiandomenico
Catholic University of Pernambuco (UNICAP), Brazil
1st Prize Winner of the Brazilian Institute of Architects, Pernambuco Chapter (IAB-PE) 2021 Awards, Geraldo Gomes Award for Technics, Technology and Innovation
Published as a full paper in the The SIGraDi 2021 Designing Possibilities, Ubiquitous Conference.
This academic initiative explores Augmented Reality (AR) via smartphones as a tool for constructing complex geometries, bypassing the need for Computer Numerical Control (CNC) or printed drawings. The Hyphae House, a 1:1 scale prototype, was erected on a university campus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Professors and students from a postgraduate course utilized locally sourced materials like concrete blocks and eco-friendly mortar.
Combining in-person and remote participation, the project demonstrated AR's effectiveness in design refinement, site adaptation, and construction. Accessible smartphone technology facilitated faster execution, approximately four times quicker than traditional methods, while promoting sustainability by eliminating paper waste and shoring pieces. An AR exhibition enhanced the prototype's informative and interactive aspects, showcasing its potential as a versatile construction tool.
See here for more about the award by the Brazilian Institute of Architects, Pernambuco Chapter (IAB-PE).
For the paper published in the XXV International Conference of the Iberoamerican Society of Digital Graphics (SIGraDi 2021) see here.
 Overall view of the hyphae house. Photo by Amanda Camara |  Detail of the hyphae house. Photo by Amanda Camara. |  Computational design of the installation grid and AR applied to the site |
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 The utilization of AR during construction to guide the placement of the concrete blocks (in red) and mortar (in green). |  The AR technology allowed for placement of concrete blocks in various positions with precision and optimization of time. Photo by Amanda Camara. |  Exhibition about the project in AR environment |
 The full prototype as visualized in the AR environment |  Several tests were performed in the initial stages of construction. Photo by Victor Sardenberg |  Construction as seen in AR environment applied over the site. |
 Digital model of the prototype: built section (in grey) and virtual portion (in red) |  The curved staggered geometry of the prototype invites human interaction |