Browsing a 3D model with virtual reality design online, directly from the browser, can be particularly beneficial for your work. It is one of the most interesting technologies that takes you to a different world. Please keep in mind this technology can be tough to handle and use. In this article we shall explain how to use it.
Virtual reality for architecture: what is it?
Online virtual reality is a technology that allows the creation of a simulated environment that the user, equipped with a VR viewer, can navigate and experience first-hand and in any context.
Applied to architecture, it is an innovative tool that allows the technician and his client to dive into the 3D model of the project, simply by connecting a display to the PC.
There are several phases in which VR can come in handy, especially for those working in the construction industry. These phases include:
- project design;
- project review;
- Project presentation.
VR in Architectural Design
When a project is in the design phase, VR has the flexibility to adapt to the several levels of detail of the model. Not only does it support the designer in making decisions, but turns out to be a massive stone turner for its completion.
Moreover, during the introductory phase, VR helps to imagine and reimagine new spaces. The designer, in fact, is immersed in the model he is conceiving and can have a realistic perception of the spaces to be created.
Online virtual reality: the benefits in the design phase
In the verification phase of the design choices, virtual reality serves as an evaluation and control tool: at each step, it is possible to navigate the model and verify that the choices made fit the project idea and the client’s needs well.
In the final and executive design phase, VR helps define details, materials, colors, etc.
Finally, in the phase of presenting the project to the client, it makes the model “live”, even before its realization.
Although errors cannot be avoided; VR helps to minimize errors and predict the outcome of the work precisely. To add to the joy, you can also get to experience greater design freedom and experiment with new and bolder solutions. Thus, better quality work is achieved as the final output.
Although VR is all benefits! However, we have compiled some top ones:
- Better quality of work;
- Highly detailed and well-articulated spaces;
- simplified creation and creativity process;
- better analysis during comparison of two or more spaces;
- better presentation of designs with realistic feel;
- minimum errors; and
- enhanced evaluation of details with precision.
Virtual reality design and model review
Virtual reality can be quite useful in the review phase. It can be used for validating the choices made and maintaining control of the project throughout prior to displaying it to the client.
This is a subtle stage because during the phase, the design process is put to test. Not only are you able to review, re-evaluate, and interrogate the choices, but carry out the changes before moving towards the finalization.
Reviewing the project in the traditional way − interpreting plans, elevations, sections and renders – is not the way. Still images actually only reconstruct a partial idea of the project and may not highlight errors.
Through VR, you can enter the space to keep a closer look of the details before any work is even carried out. This is the kind of benefits that only VR can offer.
To conclude, it is safe to state that the advantages of using VR in Project Review Phase are:
- improved design choices;
- fewer design errors;
- new spaces and solutions are easy to achieve as the final output;
Virtual reality for project presentation
In the project presentation phase, VR makes it easy and immediate to show the project ideas to the client, from the choice of materials and furniture to the distribution of spaces. In this way, the client has the opportunity to “live” the commissioned project before it is carried out, which minimizes the possibility of misunderstandings.
VR, in fact, allows the reproduction of an environment, letting the client immerse himself in a totally virtual scene, capable of bridging the gap between reality and imagination, and conveying a complete perception of the project. This is a truly fundamental aspect: bridging the gap between design representation and client imagination.
All this highlights the great potential of VR for designers: it is a tool that manages to make their work very competitive. There is absolutely no doubt that VR is the closest to being the most futuristic technology. However, at the same time, this technology is now available within everyone’s reach. We hope you found this article helpful. Check out more of our work related to VR and other technologies and let us know what technologies you are more interested in.
