Expanding Architectural Experience with Virtual Reality

Using virtual reality is the next big thing in presenting architectural projects and future constructions. With virtual reality technology you are able to get a more immersive and lifelike experience than traditional 3D images.
May 10, 2016

This Tuesday morning Internet Week Denmark was kicked off with the event Virtual Reality and Digital Visualization. Three hours of exiting speakers of different professions who gave their point of view on how virtual reality can be included in architecture, real estate, and construction.

Back in the 1950's we saw the first steps towards virtual reality and there have been several attempts of making virtual reality accessible for everyone, but it is not until now with the mobile revolution it had its breakthrough. As one of the speakers pointed out: 2016 is the year of virtual reality - again.

Virtual reality used in architecture

Today, virtual reality is being used as a valuable tool for expanding the experience with visualizing new architectural projects. With virtual reality it is possible to give a better spatial feeling and increase the understanding of the architectural projects. The end result is a more convincing experience because of the immersive effect of the technology. When seeing the construction before it is build, changes can easily be made, which saves the companies time and money in the development process. Furthermore it is possible to show the projects in a "real" context.

Virtual reality used in real estate

Within real estate the use of virtual reality is also increasing. By putting on a pair of VR-glasses you can find yourself in the middle of a not yet build apartment and get the full experience of what might become your future home. This makes it easier for the customer to make a decision and it therefore supports the sales and rental businesses.

The benefits of virtual reality as a tool:

  • A better feeling of scale and room
  • An immersive experience
  • Making decisions and changes easier
  • More convincing than traditional tools

The next, but difficult level of virtual reality will be to include a better interaction within the experience and to combine it with augmented reality. Perhaps this will be the big topic of Internet Week Denmark 2017...

This article was written based on the event: Virtual Reality and Digital Visualization