Applications of Immersive Technology in Architecture, Engineering and Construction

This edited book addresses a gap in literature by advancing current understandings of the applications of immersive technology within the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector.

Globally, the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector makes an enormous contribution to the socio-economic development of nations, which is primarily evidenced by its creation/provision of the built environment. The sector has, however, often been criticised for inefficiencies, waste and diverse forms of adverse impacts that are associated with the lifecycle of the provision of built assets – design, construction, operations and maintenance and end-of-life phases. Over the years, the inefficiencies, waste and adverse impacts have often been a catalyst for calls and initiatives to transform the AEC sector. The advent of the fourth industrial revolution (commonly referred to as, ‘Industry 4.0’), which entails the automation and digitalisation of production, presents opportunities to leverage emerging technologies to improve the image and productivity of the sector. Prominent among the emerging technologies in the Industry 4.0 era is that of immersive technology, which includes virtual reality, mixed reality and augmented reality. The capability of immersive technology to deliver beneficial impacts for multiple construction sector stakeholders throughout the construction lifecycle has been acknowledged within the industry and this continues to stimulate interest amongst practitioners, policymakers and researchers. Despite this phenomenon, at present there is no dedicated compendium of research-informed text that focusses on the multifaceted applications of immersive technology throughout the lifecycle of the provision of built assets right from concept design to end-of-life.

This book thus addresses this gap in literature by advancing current understanding of the applications of immersive technology within the AEC industry. Readers will understand how the technologies are applied, the resulting array of impacts including benefits, drawbacks, challenges and future directions for applications, research and development.

Dr. Abhinesh Prabhakaran holds the position of Lecturer in the School of Architecture and Environment at the University of the West of England, United Kingdom. His academic pursuits primarily revolve around Building Information Modelling (BIM), extended reality technology, digital construction, construction health and safety, design communication

Dr. Abdul-Majeed Mahamadu is an Associate Professor of Innovative and Industrialised Construction at the University College London (UCL) at the Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction where he is also programme director for the MSc Construction Project Management. His research interests include building information modelling (BIM), immersive technologies, cost intelligence, industrialised construction, sustainability, health and safety.

Professor Colin A. Booth is Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructures based in the Bristol Robotics Laboratory in the School of Engineering, and he is also the College Director for Postgraduate Research at the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, UK. His research interests include sustainability in the built environment, immersive technologies and digital construction, implementing environmental management systems, safety of vulnerable road users, and climate change adaptation strategies.

Professor Patrick Manu is Professor of Innovative Construction and Project Management in the School of Architecture and Environment at the University of the West of England, United Kingdom. His expertise in construction management research straddles multiple areas including occupational safety and health (OSH), digital construction and sustainable construction.