Introduction to Virtual and Augmented Reality in Architecture
Virtual reality and augmented reality tools for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry have gotten increasingly popular and optimized. As prices drop, these tools are transforming the way in which professionals communicate, create, and experience content. They offer a more immersive experience of architectural designs and have gotten an industry standard for rapid iterations and collaboration with clients and colleagues.
How Virtual and Augmented Reality Work
While virtual reality creates fully computer-generated environments, augmented reality delivers virtual elements as an overlay to the actual world. This difference is why VR and AR are taking different paths to the end-user and various industries. VR is considered higher suited to architects, while AR will likely find more uses in construction.
Top 5 Virtual and Augmented Reality Apps for Architects
Here are the highest 5 VR/AR tools that best suit those working within the AEC industry:
1 – ARki
ARki is a real-time augmented reality visualization service for architectural models. It incorporates AR technology into architecture by providing 3-D models with multiple levels of interactivity for each design and presentation purposes. ARki could be used on any iOS/Android device and provides several interactive functionalities, including real-time shadow evaluation and material selection.
2 – Storyboard VR
Storyboard VR is a free prototyping and visualization tool that could be utilized by architects, AEC professionals, artists, and creators. It allows users to tug in, arrange, scale, and animate easy 2-D assets. The creators of Storyboard VR developed it for their very own internal use for VR projects, and it features slides – sequential scenes – providing something like a VR version of PowerPoint.
3 – Pair
Pair is an app that enables architects to drag-and-drop 3-D models of consumer furnishings and appliances into their designs using iPhones or iPads. Their online catalog of models and assets features over 200 home and office furniture products from Fortune 500 manufacturers, with latest products being added every single day. Pair’s deal with products and consumers allows users to physically walk around a virtual 3-D product prefer it is of their home or office space.
4 – SmartReality
SmartReality is an augmented reality mobile app that uses the mobile device’s camera to overlay an interactive BIM model over printed construction plans to create 3-D visualizations of projects. It allows users to zoom, expose structural layers with a touch, move through stages of a project over time, and record images and video of their experience.
5 – Fuzor
Fuzor is a real-time rendering app that integrates with Revit. It uses the technology originally designed by Kalloc Studios for game design and offers a bi-directional live link with Revit, allowing users to maneuver around, visualize, annotate, and inspect BIM information, while also syncing changes between the 2 tools.
Conclusion
The use of virtual and augmented reality tools within the AEC industry is becoming increasingly popular, and these top 5 apps are leading the way in which. From ARki’s real-time visualization to Fuzor’s real-time rendering, these tools are transforming the way in which architects and construction professionals work. With their ability to supply immersive experiences, improve collaboration, and increase efficiency, VR and AR tools are set to turn out to be a vital a part of the AEC industry. As the technology continues to evolve, we will expect to see much more modern solutions that may change the face of architecture and construction without end.
