Virtual Reality
It is well-known in construction that the cost of changing one’s mind rises sharply with time. It is far easier to move a wall on paper than it is to move one after it has been constructed. Real materials and real people’s time aren’t cheap. For this reason at least, we know how important it is for clients to understand their designs as soon as they are produced so that design changes can be as painless as possible.
However, we also know how difficult it can be to fully understand even the clearest of architectural drawings. The mental gymnastics required to imagine 3-dimensional space from abstract lines on paper are considerable and unwanted design choices can remain unnoticed until they appear in real-life.
3D images go some way to address this ‘understanding gap’, and clients may be offered ‘3D renders’ as an additional service from their design consultant. As helpful as these are, they still only present one viewpoint at a time and are no substitute for real-life experience of a space. Recent advances in technology have brought exciting new developments to the architectural design process and Skeet + Coutie are one of the few practices in the UK to offer real-time stereoscopic renderings via an interactive head-set to all our clients. Or, as it is more commonly know - Virtual Reality.
Our designs are created and developed using the latest 3D software that enables us to show clients our designs via a simple email web-link. From this, they are able to open drawings, view visual images and even walk-through the designs presented in real-time. Additionally, by placing a standard smartphone in an inexpensive head-set, it is a straightforward task to experience the designs in Virtual Reality and really feel how the designs work in Virtual Reality. All before a single brick has been laid.
If you are interested in seeing the technology for yourself, call us to arrange a demonstration at Harland Works studio. There’s always a cup of tea and a friendly face to discuss any help you might need on your own project.
