At 3D Walkabout, we use 3D rendering software, virtual reality (VR), and AR (augmented reality) technology to create realistic visualisations for clients in the construction industry.
Our renders allow industry professionals to visualise buildings or structures before they’re built. This process helps us identify design flaws and potential problems before construction begins, saving money and time.
We create comprehensive VR walkthroughs of buildings or structures, which helps demonstrate design plans to clients and stakeholders. In the same way, we can visualise the design, planning, and construction process from start to finish, creating a clearer timeline and bringing the client’s vision to life.
Visualising structures in the virtual world
VR building demos or walkthroughs are virtual simulations of buildings or structures that allow users to explore the space in a lifelike way. Typically, the user will wear a VR headset and access special software that constructs a 3D model of the building in the visual field.
Users can then move through the visual space, viewing it from different angles—just as they would if they physically walked through the building. Some VR walkthroughs even include interactive elements, like the ability to open doors or switch on lights, creating an even more immersive experience.
Traditional construction project timelines can be difficult for clients to understand. Industry terms like ‘footings’ and ‘rough-ins’ may be meaningless, while 3D visualisations can paint a much clearer picture.
Since VR software can render buildings in real-time, the user can move through the space smoothly and naturally—as if they were really there. Users can also view different stages of the construction process—moving back and forth along the timeline—to understand how the project will move forward over time.
Essentially, VR provides a 360-degree perspective of the building process—all within the safety of the metaverse.
VR: A smart investment
Architecture firms and construction companies in Australia are investing in VR technology to enhance their services and create better customer experiences. The innovative software offers a variety of benefits that make it a prudent investment.
In the construction industry, plans often change, making it difficult to maintain consistent timelines. To solve this problem, businesses can use VR house design, 3D building design, and 3D property animations to quickly adapt to changes as they take place. No more waiting days or weeks to adjust to small changes on the job site!
VR walkthroughs can also provide customers with a clearer understanding of the building plans, which can be difficult to communicate to a layperson via design terminology, drafts, and floorplans. Your business will find it easier to understand what clients want and need, ensuring the outcome meets their full expectations.
There are other benefits to VR technology, too, such as deeper insights, higher cost-efficiency, reduced time investment, and fewer bottlenecks. We highly recommend using technology to strengthen client relationships, eliminate misunderstandings, and maintain a consistent timeline from start to finish.
Summary: Benefits of VR for Construction Project Timelines
Utilizing VR and AR technology for realistic construction visualizations.
VR walkthroughs aid in identifying design flaws and issues pre-construction, reducing costs.
Clients and stakeholders benefit from comprehensive VR building demos.
VR technology offers a 360-degree perspective of construction timelines, enhancing client comprehension.
Investing in VR enhances customer experiences, supports quick adaptations to changes, and strengthens client relationships in construction.
FAQs
What is AR and VR in construction?
Augmented reality refers to systems that present information and 3D models alongside images of the real world, such as a phone screen showing a picture of the construction site alongside a 3D model of the site plans. Virtual reality presents an entirely 3D environment, showing users the final plans for a building with an intricate 3D model without real-world imagery as an accompaniment.
How are architects and contractors using BIM models in conjunction with VR?
Whilst the architects are in charge of creating great quality BIM models, they can then transfer these over to the VR software owned by construction companies. This creates a strong collaborative sense between the two industries.
How can you view BIM models in VR?
BIM models must be exported from the software they were created in and then imported into the company’s chosen VR software. Most VR software for the construction and building industry is compatible with this file type, but make sure to check first.
How does VR affect architecture?
VR affects architecture in an overall positive way. Architects are able to view their work in an exciting and interactive environment which allows them to easily spot any mistakes on their render before it is finalised, improving the quality of their product.
How is AR and VR used in construction?
AR and VR are both used in the industry to show prospective clients and employees on a project what a proposed building or structure will look like when finished. They can walk around a copy of the 3D render just by putting on a headset, no extra cost is necessary.
How is VR used in construction?
The main way in which VR is utilised in construction is by allowing employees to virtually walk around and experience a building that has not yet been built, so they can make adjustments and changes to it before manual labour begins.
