What It Means

Mixed Reality (MR) is an immersive technology that blends the digital and physical worlds in real time. Unlike virtual reality (VR), which replaces the physical world entirely, or augmented reality (AR), which overlays static digital elements, MR allows physical and digital objects to coexist and interact—anchored to real-world environments and aware of user context.

In the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry, Mixed Reality (MR) is used for design reviews, coordination walkthroughs, construction visualization, and training. MR tools often rely on spatial mapping, gesture recognition, and head-mounted displays such as the Microsoft HoloLens to allow users to “walk through” a building model in real space before it’s built.

Why It Matters

Mixed Reality (MR) brings digital design to life—bridging the gap between models and the physical world. It enables stakeholders to:

• Visualize scale, proportion, and construction sequencing.
• Detect clashes or design errors early through immersive simulation.
• Improve client presentations and stakeholder engagement.
• Train teams on-site or remotely using digital twins or simulation environments.

By offering a hands-on experience with digital content in a physical space, MR helps improve design confidence, reduce construction errors, and accelerate approvals.

Best Practices for Mixed Reality(MR)

• Use MR in early design phases for client walkthroughs and spatial validation.
• Combine MR with BIM platforms (e.g., Revit, Rhino, Navisworks) to visualize live project data.
• Prepare simplified, optimized 3D models to ensure smooth performance on MR devices.
• Include MR during constructability reviews to identify installation conflicts.
• Use MR for immersive, remote collaboration—especially in distributed project teams.

Real-World Use for Mixed Reality(MR)

AEC firms use Mixed Reality (MR) to superimpose HVAC models on job sites during mechanical coordination, or to preview interior layouts with clients on-site. Contractors have used MR to overlay piping systems on concrete walls, ensuring alignment before cutting or drilling.

Limitations

• Requires specialized hardware and software, which can be expensive.
• Performance can suffer with large or overly complex models.
• User onboarding and model prep time can be significant on first-time projects.
• Environmental lighting and spatial calibration impact the quality of MR alignment.

In Simple Terms

Mixed Reality (MR) lets you wear a headset and see your future building full-scale, in the room you’re standing in—before a single brick is laid.

How D.TO Helps

The D.TO platform prepares design models with clarity and structure that make them easier to adapt to BIM environments. By analyzing your BIM data early, D.TO enhances the reliability and completeness of your designs

Discover how D.TO enhances your daily design workflows on D.TO’s key features page, or schedule a demo to explore them in more detail!!