#NallasOnVR: How Virtual Reality will build a new future for Architecture and Design

From Harappan structure innovations to Building Information Modeling, from the blueprint to CAD, the field of construction has been at the forefront when it comes to embracing technology. The emerging field of virtual reality promises to be another arrow in the architect’s ever-evolving quiver, and major firms like Foster + Partners and Hassell have already started incorporating it into their workflow.

In this post, we’ll take a look at how VR might assist and even change this venerable profession.

Design Exploration

VR can be used to explore and experiment with different spatial concepts before work actually begins. Architects and designers can create virtual models of buildings or interiors, and then use VR to experience them in an immersive manner, showing them how realistic (or not) their idea actually is. This encourages more daring and experimentative design, since the proof of concept can be tested in VR and all the possible issues can subsequently be ironed out.

Here’s an example: VRtisan, an architectural visualization firm, has a powerful VR tool to help architects develop designs in real-time. It’s like Photoshop, but immersive!

Client Presentations

If seeing is believing, then experiencing can be even more convincing. Architects and designers can now use immersive technology to create virtual models of buildings and products, allowing clients to experience them more realistically before they are even built. Technology like gaze detection helps demonstrate interactivity better than any maquette ever could!

Here’s an example: A concept video by a VR developer showing the walkthrough of a luxury condo, complete with customizations.

Of course, there are applications beyond the residential. VR will help clients better visualize factories, public infrastructure, hospitals, and so much more. Here is a (now rather rudimentary) VR experience video of how a factory might appear once operational.

Collaboration

A few posts back, we wrote about how VR can facilitate collaboration between medical professionals in different geographies. The same is true for architecture; VR can enable architects, designers and other stakeholders to review designs in real-time and make changes more efficiently and effectively.

For example: Here’s a concept for Hyperform, a tool to help architects and planners to collaborate in VR.

Training and Education in Virtual Reality

VR can be used as a training tool for architects and designers, allowing them to practice and refine their skills in a virtual environment. This applies to everyone from B.Arch students all the way to experienced professionals wanting to learn new skills. As with any sector, VR will allow these architects to experience, experience and learn in a safe and controlled setting.

For example: The Spanish IE University now offers a VR module for their architecture students!

Inspection

Once construction on a project begins, VR can still have a key role to play. Different tools can be used to compare blueprints with on-ground built structures to check for adherence, and it can monitor for structural integrity, personnel safety and even gauge how a mid-project change of plans might manifest.

For example: The construction firm SRI uses AR devices to aid workers.

In a sense, Virtual Reality and architecture are a perfect match – allowing one to build and experience what one imagines. As these tools become more powerful and access to them gets democratized, it’s possible that the buildings of the future will be nothing like what we are used to now — all because of what VR made possible.

We will be writing more about the potential applications of VR for several other industries – keep an eye out for the #NallasOnVR series.

#NallasOnVR: How Virtual Reality will build a new future for Architecture and Design

Design Exploration

Client Presentations

Collaboration

Training and Education in Virtual Reality

Inspection

Author

Deivanai Durairaj

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