Architects have started incorporating immersive virtual reality (VR) tools in the design process to better understand spaces, facilitate collaboration, and catch errors. By using a headset in a VR app, architects can walk around a 3D architectural model of a room and flag potential problems for designers to tweak. While some architects believe that VR technology has the potential to fundamentally transform the way they approach their jobs, others feel that current VR products do not yet live up to the hype.
Traditionally, architects have designed buildings starting with 2D blueprints, which can be difficult to fully comprehend without technical knowledge. Working in two dimensions is not a natural experience, according to Jon Matalucci, a virtual design and construction manager at Stantec. With the advancements in VR technology, architects now have the ability to design buildings from scratch while wearing a headset, allowing for a more immersive and intuitive design experience in 3D.
In the past, using VR was expensive and time-consuming for many architects, as design programs took a long time to render 3D spaces. However, upgrades in both hardware and software have made VR more accessible and efficient for architects. With the ability to walk around and interact with 3D models in real-time, architects can gain a better understanding of the space they are designing, leading to more efficient and effective design solutions.
Despite the potential benefits of VR technology in architecture, there are some architects who remain skeptical of its current capabilities. Jacob Morse, the managing director at Geniant, believes that certain questions can already be effectively answered in 2D on a screen, and that putting it in goggles is just a gimmick. While VR technology has the potential to transform the design process, it is important for architects to critically evaluate its usefulness in their specific design projects.
Overall, the integration of VR technology in architecture has the potential to revolutionize the way architects approach their work. By providing a more immersive and intuitive design experience, VR tools can help architects better understand spaces, collaborate more effectively, and catch errors early in the design process. As VR technology continues to improve and become more commonplace, architects will need to adapt to these changes in order to stay competitive in the ever-evolving field of architecture.
