Area of use

Architecture

The architects face a difficult task: to come up with, work out and present the original project profitably. Modern experts are actively using computer technologies to build 3D models of buildings, bridges or park areas. Their work is far beyond the monitor, turning into intangible, but quite visible objects. For architects, this is a great opportunity to show the result of work not only on paper or in the form of computer graphics, but also in a projection, that complements reality.

VR and AR can help here. Technologies that are in demand in the scientific community and the gamer community have taken root in architecture, becoming full-fledged design and presentation tools. Today, with the help of special devices and programs, you can visualize any, even the most complex project.

Augmented Reality in Architecture

How to present a project in AR

The most common way to represent architectural solutions is to design a 3D model of a future building to transfer it to a program that supports augmented reality. The developed model can be viewed from different angles, turned around its axis, moved away and zoomed in. This approach is also popular among interior designers: the customer can immediately evaluate the color combination, ergonomics and ease of planning.

Hololens Mixed Reality Architecture glasses

To be more precise, this project was created using Mixed Reality technologies. It also helps to demonstrate architectural solutions, but gives customers an opportunity to view the projection without using a computer or smartphone. The image can be seen by wearing special glasses. It does not replace any objects in reality, but creates and embeds new, accessible for interaction objects into it. Such a fascinating interactive presentation will be very interesting for investors and customers.

BIM AR designing
The peculiarity of this smartphone program is that you will need ordinary-looking drawings for presentation of 3D computer models. Having brought a mobile device to them, on its screen the user will be able to see how clear lines turn into voluminous multi-colored forms. This is an interesting and unusual way to show the drawings to the customer. 3D models are much clearer than flat graphic drawings, and the use of modern technologies is a mark of professionalism.

Virtual Reality in Architecture

NVIDIA Holodeck designing

NVIDIA Holodeck is an innovative platform designed specifically for architects, designers and car makers who will be able to work with virtual reality. One of the key features of the program is its photorealism. You can transfer very detailed, worked out to the smallest detail 3D-models into the project. Having plunged into virtual reality with the help of special helmets, the client and the architect can discuss the details of the project, looking at its prototype in full scale.

Apartments presentation in virtual reality

If earlier you had to present design projects using a computer, now you can wear virtual reality glasses and take a walk in your own modernized apartment. This opportunity is provided to customers by designers and architects working with Unreal Engine 4 and Oculus Rift glasses. Today, there are more than a dozen programs in which you can create virtual copies of real rooms or change their design using photorealistic 3D objects.

Construction in virtual reality

Modern architect Johan Hangraf proposes to use virtual reality not only to show ready-made objects, but also to create and change them. He is developing an app that in the future will help significantly reduce the time for 3D models creation. Wearing virtual reality glasses and having special tools, architects will be able to work right inside the simulation.

Eyecad VR landscapes

Another creative app in which architects, designers, and landscape specialists can create is Eyecad VR. The program allows you to both create natural landscapes and create interior designs. It will appeal to specialists who want to quickly recreate certain locations in virtual reality. Now the program is used for photorealistic modeling.

Conclusion

Over the past few years, virtual, augmented and mixed reality technologies have taken a huge step forward. This can be easily explained by their flexibility and versatility. Interactive presentations in VR and AR impress customers, thereby drawing attention to the architect’s talent. If the developers of software for architecture and design purposes continue to focus on advanced technologies, many experts will be able to transfer their desktop to computer simulation in the future. This will save time and resources.