Trimble  and Gensler, a global architecture and design firm, announced June 2 that they are collaborating to explore the intersection of human interfaces, architecture and computing using mixed-reality technology.

"The potential impact of mixed reality on the practice of architecture and urban design is an exciting opportunity, influencing almost every aspect of the design process as well as the end user experience," said Alan Robles, associate, experience designer at Gensler. "In the realm of architecture and design, mixed reality represents the next evolution of the ability to create, evolve and communicate the design product."

At Augmented World Expo, June 1-2, Trimble and Gensler shared their experience about the use of Trimble mixed-reality technology and Microsoft HoloLens for design and collaboration, and present a vision around how the technology can evolve the design practice.

"Mixed reality has the potential to transform the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations industry. Our goal is to provide solutions to enable this transformation which will change the way our customers consume, interact and communicate data. It is an exciting journey and we are delighted to have Gensler as a partner," said Aviad Almagor, director of Trimble's mixed reality program.

With mixed reality, the primary mode of interaction is spatial. Design teams can review and interact with 3D models in the context of their physical environment and explore previously invisible aspects of a building's performance. The technology improves communication by providing a natural, yet innovative way to interact with complex data and enables 3D-based remote collaboration between project stakeholders.