2. Execute – The Role of Augmented Reality in Exploring Biobased Building Materials
Augmented Reality (AR) applications can greatly enhance learning about biobased building materials by making complex material properties and ecological benefits tangible for students. By overlaying digital information onto real or model structures, AR allows learners to explore how materials like bamboo, mycelium, hempcrete, or recycled timber perform in real-world construction scenarios. Students can see visualizations of structural strength, insulation, carbon capture, and lifecycle impacts, transforming the built environment into an interactive classroom. This bridges the gap between abstract sustainability principles and practical applications in eco-friendly architecture, fostering understanding, creativity, and a sense of environmental responsibility.
2.1 Specific features and types of AR Tools
An AR application for this purpose would be more than just a visualization tool; it would be a dynamic platform for discovery, design, and problem-solving. Key features and tools could include:
- 3D Model Visualization: Project 3D models of buildings or construction elements onto real-world spaces (e.g., school grounds or local sites) and overlay simulations showing how different bio-based materials—like bamboo, hempcrete, mycelium, or recycled timber—perform in terms of insulation, durability, and environmental impact.
- Data Visualization Overlays: Overlay virtual representations of material properties and sustainability metrics onto existing structures, allowing students to see how each material could reduce carbon footprint, improve energy efficiency, or manage moisture and temperature in real time.
- Identification and Information: Use AR to “discover” virtual building materials and access information about their ecological benefits, sourcing, lifecycle impacts, and practical applications in construction projects.