Imagine being able to walk through a building before it’s even constructed or explore a space from every possible angle without leaving your desk. Thanks to virtual reality applications, this is now completely possible!
Virtual reality (VR) solutions are transforming how architects approach the design process, enabling them to create immersive experiences that were once only possible in their imagination. From creating virtual mockups of buildings to facilitating remote collaboration and communication, virtual reality for architects is becoming an essential tool if you’re looking for new technologies to stay ahead of the curve.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the latest and most exciting tools that use virtual reality for architects. We’ll discuss how they enhance the design process, improve communication, and ultimately help create better buildings. Whether you’re an experienced architect or just starting in the field, this article will provide valuable insights from the world of VR in architecture.
Virtual reality for architects tools
Visualizations & simulations
Virtual reality visualizations and simulations allow architects to create and visualize their designs in a 3D environment, providing a more realistic representation of how the design will look and function. It also allows architects to simulate different conditions, such as lighting, acoustics, and environmental factors, to help optimize the design.
Check out this VR interior visualization of a flat in Paris we created for one of our clients for reference.
Collaboration tools
Collaboration tools allow architects to work together in a shared virtual environment, regardless of their physical location. They make it easier for architects to collaborate on designs with remote team members, share ideas, and make design decisions in real time.
Immersive design tools
Immersive design tools allow an architect to create and manipulate designs in a virtual reality environment using hand gestures, providing a more intuitive and immersive design experience. These tools make it easier for architects to conceptualize and test their ideas faster and in a more natural way.
VR walkthroughs for clients
VR walkthroughs provide clients with a realistic virtual tour of the design, allowing them to experience the space as if they were there in person. Virtual tours help clients understand the design better and make informed decisions about the construction project.
Enhanced visualization opportunities
One of the key benefits of using virtual reality technology in architecture is the enhanced visualization opportunities it provides. With a VR headset, architects can create 3D models of their designs and immerse themselves and their clients in realistic, interactive environments. This not only helps architects to better understand how a building will look and function in the real world, but it also does the same for the clients.
For example, imagine an architect working on the design of a new office building. With virtual reality, they create a detailed 3D model of the building and then explore it in a virtual space. They can walk around the building, go inside the offices, and even see the view from the windows. This gives them a more detailed and accurate understanding of the building, which helps them make more informed decisions about the design elements.
Next, the architect invites the stakeholders and hands out VR headsets. They enter the virtual reality space and walk through the building together. The clients get a real sense of the space, lighting and how everything fits together. With this spatial understanding, they can give more concrete feedback and definitively decide whether the architectural design meets all their requirements.
Improved collaboration and presentation
Virtual reality offers architects an unprecedented level of collaboration and presentation capabilities. VR allows architects to create immersive, interactive experiences that can be easily shared and presented to anyone, anywhere in the world, with an internet connection. This can lead to faster communication between distributed teams, better feedback, and more collaborative decision-making.
For example, suppose an architectural company is designing a new building for someone located in a different city or even a different country. With virtual reality software, they can meet their client in the virtual world, which is a more personal experience than talking on the phone and through e-mail, while still cheaper than traveling to remote places.
Of course, they can use the same VR setup for presenting their work and design review. As clients and stakeholders provide feedback, the architects can make changes to the design in real time, using virtual environments to instantaneously see the impact of their suggestions on the building’s design. This can help speed up work and ensure everyone involved in the project is on the same page.
Moreover, VR technology allows architects to collaborate remotely, reducing the time and cost associated with travel and site visits. Architects can work on a design project simultaneously from different locations, making the design process more efficient and reducing the time required to complete the project.
Effectiveness
Virtual reality solutions can help architects reduce the time required to complete projects. VR technology allows architects to iterate on designs quickly and test them in an immersive, 3D environment, allowing for more confident decisions and faster project completion.
For example, suppose an architectural firm is designing a new residential complex. They create a 3D model of the complex in virtual reality and then test different design scenarios in real time. The architects can quickly make changes to the model, such as adjusting the placement of windows or changing the height of the building and then immediately see the impact of those changes in the VR environment.
This enables architects and designers to quickly and efficiently test different design options, reducing the time required to complete the project.
Reduced need for mockups
By using VR technology, architects can also reduce the need for physical prototypes and mockups, which can be expensive and time-consuming to create. VR technology allows architects to test designs virtually, reducing the need for physical materials and streamlining the design process.
Improved customer experience
Using virtual reality for architects can also improve the customer experience. The VR experience of walking through a building design really makes you understand the space better. This leads to clients feeling more confident about their investment, more satisfactory outcomes for the client and a better reputation for the architect.
What’s more, people really like using innovative tools like virtual reality. Statistics show that as much as 98% of people enjoy VR architecture visualizations (source: LinkedIn).
3D configurators – boost your sales and improve the CX
3D visualizations of structures and interiors are a great tool, but you know what’s even better? When you pair them up with the opportunity to personalize the design. And with VR hardware, preferably. Customers can use a 3D configurator to see how the different colors, materials, and design elements they can choose change a space’s overall appearance and feel.
By allowing people to see and customize products in 3D, businesses can engage customers and build a stronger emotional connection with their brand. This leads to higher conversion rates, repeat purchases, and overall brand loyalty. Check out this VR 3D configurator we developed as an example.
Take your work to the virtual world
In conclusion, virtual reality in architecture is effectively enhancing the design process, improving communication and collaboration, reducing costs, and helping create better buildings. From visualizations and simulations to immersive design tools and VR walkthroughs for clients, virtual reality solutions offer architects unparalleled opportunities to explore their designs and bring their ideas to life.
If you’d like to learn more about how a VR headset can help you become an industry leader, leave us your e-mail address. We’ll get back to you shortly and schedule a free 60-minute consultation with our business expert!
