Augmented Round Table for Architecture and Urban Planning

Using see through augmented reality glasses developed by Ericsson Saab Avionics the ARTHUR round table generates virtual models of the design scheme being discussed. Twin cameras fitted to the glasses and computer vision techniques provide head tracking for the users, as well as tracking real world placeholder objects on the table that allow the users to interact with the virtual model.

The virtual model is manipulated by moving the placeholders. This manipulation may entail movement of components or building blocks tied to the placeholders, or the placeholders may be linked to control points in a more complex parametric building object. In this way moving placeholders can alter the complex curves of a three dimensional surface or adjust the series of parametric construction components that would make that surface constructible.

The see through glasses and the real world placeholders mean that all members of the round table have equal access to the design user interface. ARTHUR will also develop a series of simulations and visualisations of aspects of building performance, so that the consequences of design changes can be evaluated while the design is being manipulated. In this way, the effects of moving building blocks relative to each other on patterns of pedestrian movement could be visualised through a real time simulation of pedestrians flows on the ARTHUR tabletop.