Heralded as the next big thing in the tech world, virtual reality is revolutionising the building and construction industry, enabling architects, designers and prospective buyers to experience a building before first ground has even been broken.
Technology such as Facebook’s Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR and advances in gaming technology have made virtual reality an affordable and realistic visualisation solution that is being used across many industries.
For the building and construction industry, visual rendering firms are now using the technology to create realistic, real-time walk-throughs of building designs, ultimately resulting in better quality building design.
These technologies will be on show at the DesignBUIILD Exhibition being held from April 28 to 30, 2015 in Sydney.
3D Visualisation Artist Cole Maes from visual rendering firm, Luminova, said that virtual reality will change the way architects and designers do business to a degree not seen since the introduction of 3D technology.
"Virtual reality enables architects and designers to immerse themselves within a project to get a better understanding of how the finished product will look, feel and function,” Maes said.
"This is an exciting development for the industry, enabling architects to tweak plans before construction has begun and ultimately develop better designed buildings.”
Luminova will be showcasing two virtual reality solutions at the technology feature at this year’s DesignBUILD Exhibition to give attendees the chance to experience virtual reality from a building and design perspective for themselves.
The technologies on display will be the Samsung Gear VR, offering a pre-rendered animation along a fixed path within a design; and Oculus Rift, enabling free movement throughout an entire design.
Caleb Smith, associate architect at integrated design and architectural firm Elenberg Fraser, said that virtual reality will enable architects to communicate design in an immersive new format.
"Virtual reality will offer an unprecedented opportunity to engage with architectural design on a personal level allowing multiple design options to be evaluated. This will ultimately speed up the design process and improve design outcomes,” Smith said.
DesignBUILD which is being held next week will host more than 200 exhibitors this year at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, representing the largest Australian gathering dedicated to the architecture, building, construction and design community.
In addition to the exhibition, there will be a long list of speakers and case study presentations. For further information or to register to attend this free event visit www.designbuildexpo.com.au.