Mecanoo and Virtual Reality applied to building design

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With the advent of the virtual reality and the affordable marketing of headset and related software, more and more architectural firms have started to use these tools in their everyday work; the Dutch firm Mecanoo offers its customers a wide range of VR user experiencewith services ranging from space observation through smartphones to immersive and immersive experiences through the use of the3D headset.

The advantages of virtual reality compared to more traditional options are numerous. Every architect often finds himself imagining spaces based on his personal experience; ideas and plans can be presented through diagrams, renderings and animations, but none of this can compare to being in the real place being designed in person, as the sense of depth and proportions adds elements to the design that no two-dimensional drawing could render.
Thanks to virtual reality, it is therefore possible to visit digital spaces and finish projects before the first brick is even laid.

Mecanoo and the use of VR headsets

Visiting the website of the Dutch architectural firm can be observed some examples of the use of this technology, which is now reaching maturity, several years after its market launch with the first prototypes.
The architecture industry has never been known for the early adoption of new technologies, however, the incorporation of VR applications within Mecanoo's internal processes allowed the firm to quickly develop working tools that were both fun and easy to use (e.g. during a meeting between designers, or at a promotional event open to the public).
The use of virtual reality has even facilitated the adoption of other technologies such as BIM (Building Information Modeling), thus reducing the friction between past and present.

Thanks to VR applications, it is possible to communicate with the space itself, reminding us how architecture should speak to all the senses and making it much easier to understand how the feeling of space changes just by changing the height of the ceiling or the size of a piece of furniture. The designer's decisions are no longer limited by previous experience, expectations or imagination: one can create virtual simulations of their ideas and then share them, raising the general level of understanding of the project and improving coordination between members of the development team.

Furthermore, the use of virtual reality allows clients to interact much more effectively with the development of projects before construction begins: the architect can guide and advise the client by involving him/her in every decision-making phase, not to mention the possibility of offering a virtual tour of the building already during the initial phase of the work.

Extending the 3D design process to virtual reality

Many architectural studies are already able to generate so-called stereo panoramasStarting from here is quite easy opening up the 3D design process to the use of virtual reality. The web is teeming with information on the features and prices of the tools needed to create a fully immersive experience, for those who are not content to use their smartphones and apps of augmented reality.

What is certain is that virtual reality and its infinite applications have the possibility of radically change the way design is createdThe tools at our disposal are becoming more and more complex and advanced, automating various tasks, expanding collaboration possibilities and increasing productivity exponentially. However, we are still at a stage where these tools are mostly only usable by programmers. In the not-too-distant future, we will see them become intuitive enough to be used by professionals from all fields, creating a sea of endless possibilities.

In this regard, the development of ArchiSpace by Mecanoo (in the video below), which will integrate sketching and modelling functions with common computational tools. Spatial interaction with digital content will become much more natural thanks to virtual and augmented reality (VR / AR), inspiring architects and designers to look beyond visual simulations to understand the full potential of this technology.

If you are passionate or curious about the world of technology applied to design, discover the 3D printing course organised by the Italian Design Institute.

[vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jv6maQ_3p5k”]

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Sviluppo Europa s.r.l.
Via Albricci, 9 - 20122 Milan
P.I. 10282190965
unique code: M5UXCR1
[email protected]


Province Register Office. chamber of commerce Milan Monza Brianza Lodi
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REA number MI-2519496
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