Aiding Decision Making in The Arts with Augmented Reality
With more than 1.4billion people predicted to be using Augmented Reality (AR) devices globally by the end of 2023, there is a powerful role for AR to help shape art and design, engage communities and create conversations.
The cultural, economic and social value of public art itself is undeniable, however it can be challenging to decide on the design, the form and the artists, let alone what people might think. The subjectivity and nuances of decision making in the arts provides a unique opportunity for integrating AR.
This is a challenge and opportunity that was taken up by StHilda’s Anglican School for Girls when they embarked on a journey to commission a mural for their new ESSTEAM Studio building. As they discovered, the convergence of art and technology,specifically through AR, offers a fascinating solution to some of art's more subjective challenges.
St Hilda’s were looking to celebrate the development of the new initiative and educational facility at their senior campus by commissioning a mural under the brief ‘Spark Extraordinary Futures’.
Selection panels often find it challenging to choose between final designs, especially when trying to visualise them in a specific space. In this instance, this problem was addressed using AR technology. Developed by elementco.labs, the mural designs were digitally superimposed onto the building. This enabled the panel to walk around the space and see the designs from various perspectives, allowing a new-found appreciation of the proposals through the tool. After viewing the works in situ, the panel chose “A Living Circuit” by Joanna Brown to grace the walls of the ESSTEAM Studio.
The use of AR in this decision-making process proved to be valuable and apt given the purpose and ethos of the ESSTEAM Studio. Not only did it offer a real-time visualisation of the potential artworks, but it also enhancedthe immersive experience of how the mural would interact with its surroundings and its people. It bridged the gap between conceptual design and physical space, allowing the panel to fully appreciate the depth, scale, and impact of each artwork.
By removing the guesswork and providing an almost tangible experience of what's to come, AR ensures that stakeholders can make informed decisions with confidence. As technology continues to evolve and become more accessible, it's exciting to think about the endless possibilities it can bring to the realm of public art and beyond.
Since its completion, "A LivingCircuit" by Joanna Brown has transformed the ESSTEAM Studio into a vibrant epicentre of creativity and inspiration. The mural, with its intricate patterns and striking visuals, resonates deeply with the ethos of the school and the spirit of innovation that the studio represents.
