Important & Significant Role Of Virtual Reality In Architecture
- Technology
Sophia Silva- 0
- 9 minutes read
The emergence of virtual reality in architecture has been among the big stories for the last few years and in the future, we have been affirmed that VR will change into an integral part not by just the presentation of a project, but of the design process also.
For many industries that are led by designs, the evident challenge is often convincing the clients that the finished product will look similar to or better than the 2D or 3D portrayal. No matter how talented a designer is, it can take a step of faith and a vivid imagination from its client to get them on board along and excited by a design idea.
Architecture is not distinct and that is the reason virtual reality for design and architecture could help you to transform the sector. In this article, we will have a look at the chances attached to this most intriguing of new technologies, the advantages of designing in a virtual space (for both the designer and also the client), and how we anticipate the industry to evolve and grow as VR (virtual reality) is implemented and accepted.
Virtual Reality In Architecture: Implementation
VR technology has so much ability for designers and architects. From primary virtual reality architecture diagram mock-ups, to project collaboration, via the finishing touches that make a constructive design go from good to great, this technology possesses the ability to really sell an idea better than any other medium.
As stated at the starting of this article, one of the biggest challenges encountered by architects is working with a client to convince them that any design works, before getting workable and valuable feedback that can be included in a finished design.
And the larger the project, the more stakeholders it will inevitably associate with. It is unlikely that there will be one single decision-maker; rather, several people will be asked for their input on several dimensions of the design of a building. Getting all these people into a single space to discuss these designs can be incredibly tough, not to state time consuming, and inefficient.
3D renderings, floor plans, and models are often used to portray an idea for a specific space within a design, but even these strategies which are a staple of architectural design can fail to efficiently communicate ideas with clients. This is where comes virtual reality in architecture. As an immersive technology, it will navigate users into a completely interactive 3D space, offering them the opportunity to explore a virtual portrayal of a specific room, floor, or even building design as a whole.
Virtual Reality In Architecture: Designing In VR
Now this illustration of virtual reality for architecture might look quite superficial. It will undoubtedly operate as a presentation tool, enabling clients to receive an evaluation of how a design may look like to scale and a more intuitive level. But how will it affect the workflow of the architect?
To be truly impactful, the VR technology will require to enable clients to completely interact with a proposed structure; going so far as to be able to close and open doors and windows, turn lights off and on, and move objects around the room. This range of interaction will then require to form part of the client’s feedback — i.e. what were the dimensions of the design that the client specifically enjoyed? Where did they struggle to interact and engage? What did they not like?
Ultimately, this visual feedback has to be recorded and then incorporated into the final design. And while this range of detailed feedback might offer a stumbling block or two to effectively enacting virtual reality in architecture and design, the accessibility of the technology should pose no such issues.
Thanks to the wide range of smartphone devices, virtual reality apps can be developed to be easily downloaded and then installed onto a client’s phone. This implies that, rather than having to spend your money on expensive hardware, like a dedicated VR headset, a cheap VR headset could be offered along with the requisite floor diagrams and plans. These virtual reality architecture software are very helpful.
The very recent smartphone devices are comfortably efficient enough to support VR-quality graphics, and thanks to the in built accelerometers, they will be able to detect movement as a client moves their way via the virtual world.
Advantages Of Virtual Reality In Architecture
There are many advantages attached to moving architectural practices into a digital environment. We have outlined a few of the primary ones below. According to Mark Zuckerberg,
“The incredible thing about the technology is that you feel like you’re actually present in another place with other people. People who try it say it’s different from anything they’ve ever experienced in their lives.”
1. Low Start-Up Cost
When considering the introduction of VR technology into an architectural practice, the cost of the start-up is relatively low. For virtual reality in architectural walkthrough and internal presentation, higher end software like the HTC Vive or the Oculus Rift would be advantageous. The headsets cost nearly $600 to $800 for each unit. Added computer hardware would be needed as well, but above all, a VR setup can be set up together for under $8,000. And in the case of most architects, a single client won off the back of enacting a suite of VR tools which implies that its money will be spent.
2. Receive A Competitive Edge
If an architect is pitching for his work, and it is their turn to offer to a prospective client, which of these do you think will win the day?
- A computer-built 3D rendering?
- Or a fully immersive virtual reality experience?
We would wager the latter would arrive at the top, offering the design was up-to-scratch. This is because a powerful client will be lost or won on their ability to truly illustrate the completed design. What better way to help them do that rather than offer them a to-scale detailed portrayal that they can walk around and interact with?
3. Avoid Rounds Of Revisions
Placing a client into a detailed and virtual representation of a constructing design will, in theory, make the feedback procedure that little bit more straightforward.
They can evidently see what they like and dislike about several elements of the design better than perhaps they would if seeing a floor plan or 3D structure. And this implies less time spent going back and forth revising designs and also awaiting further feedback.
Real-time alterations could also take place in the digital space, enabling clients to get a sense of particular aesthetic features, like lighting, wall color, and even furniture.
Wrapping Up
No matter how well crafted a rendered image may be, it can never completely convey the feel and scope of a project. With technology shifting along leaps and bounds, if architects are not including VR in their design process then they are going to be left behind. In the above article, we have discussed the role of virtual reality in architecture and why it is important for the designers and architects to include them in their working process.
