Technology has always had its presence in design.

From the days of flat paper sketches to 3D computer rendered images, architectural technology has seen several innovations over the past few years.

The use of virtual reality architecture seems to be the latest innovation, and it will certainly alter how designers and clients communicate and collaborate on projects.

The Use of Virtual Reality Architecture

In the United States, 21% of architects surveyed said that they would start implementing the use of virtual reality architecture in their design process. While this number is small compared to Europe which has a 40% utilization rate, and the United States expects to see growth in the VR sector very soon.

VR design will likely play a role in marketing, especially because 53% of consumer respondents in a recent architecture related survey said that they were more likely to use an architect that offers VR designs over traditional methods.

How Virtual Reality Architecture Changes Customer Communication

In the past, traditional methods of design required the client to come to their designer for a consultation, and the designer would go to work creating a paper drawing, to-scale computer rendering, then a 3D model for spatial understanding.

There was much time in between the consultation and the review. The client was mostly uninvolved in the middle of this processes.

However, virtual reality architecture will be much more involved, allowing designers and customers to work more frequently together. All in all, the process of design will be much quicker. Customers can provide real-time feedback, and designers can quickly modify their 3D renderings, potential during the customer review session.

This not only speeds up the approval process, but also gives the customer an opportunity to explore, live, and participate in fine-tuning their project.

A Quick Comparison of the Methods

• Traditional Design: Traditional designs create a spatial understanding for clients. These are physical renderings that include flat paper drawings, computer generated images, and usually 3D models. The 3D model is typically made by hand (to scale) to simulate what the design would look like if constructed. While this has been go-to for architectural design for years, it is all highly time-consuming. If the client wants a revision, the architect goes back to revamp renderings and the 3D model manually.
• Virtual Reality Design: Virtual reality reduces the need for computer rendered models or physical models, and instead provides spatial understanding in a virtual format. The customer can walk through the design, see how the building is laid out, and request changes. Minor changes can be corrected with the client on-site, and design appointments will be more interactive with instant feedback between architect and customer.

Virtual reality is going to play a significant role in the architecture of the future. More importantly, it is going to remove the barriers of communication and bridge the gap between client vision and designer results.

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