personal research

Holographic Display as a Replacement for Physical Models During the

Architectural Design Process

Physical models and prototyping are a very important step during the architectural design process. I think that using holographic technology we can speed up the process by projecting 3D models of buildings into 3D space instead of building a physical model or waiting for a 3D print.

Refined Research Question: How can I use holograms to aid in the architectural design process?

Research Proposal: I will create a DIY hologram projector using an iPad, a laser-cut enclosure, and plastic film. I can then use the pepper's ghost effect to project a hologram of 3D architectural models to scale at any angle and display them in full 3D without actually needing to make a physical model.

Action Plan:

• 1. Research DIY holographic projectors and find one that can be used to display models from multiple angles.

• 2. Design an enclosure for the holographic projector using Rhino and assemble using laser cutting.

• 3. Assemble transparent film around the iPad display to showcase desired angles of the model

• 4. Create or find an existing 3D architectural model to project. 

• 5. Format the model to display from multiple angles.

• 6. Display the formatted model using the holographic projector.