Technological trends come and go. In architecture we’ve seen many new, innovative software solutions get replaced by the next, more advanced programme, and so on and so forth. And as we move closer to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and digital transformation, we will see even more of this. However, some technologies are undoubtedly here to stay. Like Virtual Reality.
In our field, Virtual Reality technology has evolved dramatically and will soon become an integral part of the designing and building processes of properties around the world. Virtual Reality allows people to engage multiple senses in an unrestricted 3D space. It has revolutionised the automotive, tourism, gaming and hospitality industries, and it has only just begun to pick at the surface of what it can mean for architects, their customers and collaborators.
Earlier this year, our team at Veld Architects started adopting the HTC Vive VR technology.
We’ve found that clients don’t always fully understand the conventional set of drawings they see in front of them. And these visualisation restrictions are often one of the largest hurdles we as architects have when it comes to communicating any new and innovative ideas to our clients. They like what they are being told, but they simply can’t envision it.
…when it comes to communicating any new and innovative ideas to our clients. They like what they are being told, but they simply can’t envision it.
VR technology is such a breath of fresh air for us and our clients. It completely transforms our ideas on paper into an in-depth, 3D space. Our clients are able to experience every room of the house and get a better understanding of how various factors like natural light at different intervals, for example, will influence every space.
As a firm that specialises in one of a kind, exclusive contemporary residences we immediately saw the value this type of technology could unlock for us as a firm and our clients.
…visualising changes to a design as we make them.
Many software solutions are able to integrate with a range of BIM software in real-time, which allows us to:
- better test new and innovative ideas on-scale;
- design in real-time – visualising changes to a design as we make them;
- effectively communicate these and other ideas to our clients visually;
- improve feedback;
- identify and solve potential problems quickly and efficiently; and
- better adapt time and material consumption to suit our clients needs.
The different stages at which a development can be visualised i.e. an undeveloped countryside vs. the completed building in its entirety are mind-blowing. We are incredibly excited about the future of VR.
Want to use this technology on a leading-edge residence you are planning?
Inbox me and let’s chat: gillian@veldarchitects.co.za
Love,
Gill
