Network meeting of the 5G4Construction project shows the potential of augmented reality in construction
On 11 June 2025, the members of the ZIM innovation network ‘5G4Construction’ met at GRBV Ingenieure in Hanover to discuss the progress of the Field2BIM project. But the real highlight of the day awaited after the official programme: a visit to the sailing club of the Braunschweig Sailing Club on the picturesque Braunschweig Südsee.
When BIM models come to life
The clubhouse is about to undergo a major renovation and GRBV had already created a detailed BIM model of the planned project. But instead of just staring at screens or poring over plans, the network participants were able to get a completely new picture - in the truest sense of the word.
With the help of the AR-Explorer construction app from IMS, the digital model was brought to life directly on site. The participants were able to look through their smartphones and tablets and visualise the planned conversion project in the real environment. Where previously only the imagination could help, the augmented reality technology showed precisely which areas were to be remodelled, extended or changed.
Construction planning that everyone understands
‘There is a huge difference between looking at a 2D plan and being able to see the project directly in the real environment,’ reports Dr Matthias Wenthe from Internet Marketing Services GmbH. ‘Suddenly, even laypeople immediately understand what is planned and can get a real idea of the scope of the work.’
This experience impressively demonstrates why AR Explorer is becoming increasingly important in the construction industry:
- Better communication: clients, architects and tradespeople speak the same ‘visual language’
- Fewer misunderstandings: What was planned digitally is represented 1:1 in reality
- Early problem detection: Conflicts between planning and reality become immediately apparent
- Convincing presentations: Investors and clients can ‘experience’ projects before they are built
Networking with vision
After the successful demonstration of AR technology, the day was rounded off with a relaxed sailing trip across the Braunschweig Südsee. At the subsequent barbecue evening, the experts from research and practice discussed the future of building digitisation.
The combination of scientific research, practical application and personal dialogue makes the 5G4Construction network an ideal environment for innovation. Projects such as Field2BIM show how abstract ideas can be turned into concrete solutions that improve everyday working life in the construction industry.
The future is within reach
The network meeting was an impressive demonstration: The digitalisation of the construction industry is no longer a distant dream of the future. Tools such as AR-Explorer make complex construction projects transparent and understandable for everyone involved.
