Virtual reality

WHAT

Virtual Reality (VR) tools can be used in the early stages of your project to present a digital experience of the space and environment. They can also be useful in later stages when detailing and testing the design. VR is primarily a communication and dialogue tool to interact with end-users and clients. If people can test buildings before they are built, this can drive a co-design approach, get early feedback and result in innovation. The vast majority of technical drawing programmes are compatible with VR technology, which increases potential usage.

STRENGTHS

• Gives a realistic 3D presentation of ideas to inform decision making
• Provides the opportunity to test different solutions in an immersive way
• Presents an impression of space, light, colour and contrast, bringing ‘difficult-to-read’ drawings to life
• Uncovers needs, identify barriers and problems, reduce uncertainty and spot bottlenecks
• Allows suppliers and other stakeholders to be involved, increasing buy-in
• Reduces risk and potential mistakes as the building or space can be tested virtually
• Good for testing wayfinding

ISSUES

• VR experience that is too realistic can create expectations that cannot be fulfilled. This can result in a discrepancy between the perceived and final solution
• As VR provides many options, people can become confused about choices, leading to constant changes that can delay the project
• VR has no material physicality, so you cannot test surfaces, materials, textures, tactility or acoustics
• A number of dimensions of the spatial quality of experience are missing 
• VR can be time-consuming to create properly, and some people may experience dizziness and nausea when using the equipment