SCALE 1:1 – design support site with and within existing build context.

Activities in the building industry in Germany concentrate increasingly on a combination of renovation and new-build. A prerequisite for computer-aided planning in the context of existing buildings is both the use of on-site computer aided techniques and the integration of all professional disciplines in an integrated information and communication system. An examination of currently available IT-tools and hardware shows insufficient support for the whole architectural design process with and within existing buildings (e.g. initial site visit, building surveying, designing on site and the preparation of information for further use in later planning stages). How will computers be used on site in the future? Which equipment will be needed? An ongoing interdisciplinary research project undertaken jointly by the faculty of media and the faculty of architecture is investigating methods and techniques for the computer-aided support of the design process with and within existing buildings. The aim of this project is the development of a practice-oriented toolbox for the architectural design process based on SAR (spatial augmented reality). This Toolbox should support the architect in his design-decisions during the conceptual development of a building, so that the chosen solution is plausible, reasonable and understandable. The paper presents the state of the art of our “On-Site hardware and software” concept. The project is funded by the German Research Foundation 1. Designing and planning in existing built contexts 1.1. The current situation in Germany Building in existing built contexts The focus of building activities in Germany is characterized by a mixture of new-build and renovation work. After the period of expansion of the built environment in the last 20-30 years, a process of consolidation and renewal of existing building stock has begun. A variety of factors contribute towards this development, e.g.: • dwindling population figures are leading to a decrease in demand for living space; • population drift away from the former industrial regions; • new approaches to working, telework, decentralized services etc. have reduced the need for dedicated production spaces; • a steadily increasing need to renovate existing buildings. Since the early 1990s, the focus of planning activities has shifted away from new building to renovation and building within existing built contexts. More than half of all building investment is in the renovation sector and this proportion will continue to rise (Hommereich, 2005).Building in existing built contexts is becoming ever more important and this looks set to increase still further in the coming years.