PocketCake is working with some of the nation's top architectural and engineering companies, converting their 3D models into stunning virtual reality simulations using the Oculus Rift.
PocketCake's simulations offer first-person interaction from the comfort of a laptop. You are in the driver's seat. From homes and churches to stadiums and fairgrounds, nothing enhances a client's - or an architect's - conception of a project better than virtual reality.
Instead of an abstract blueprint process, a virtual reality simulation ensures your concepts look exactly as you envisioned them. For a price that's comparable to traditional architectural illustrations, a prospective client can have an immersive 3D experience in which they inhabit real space, walking wherever they like.
BIM technology, once a rarity in the architectural industry, is now mainstream as a majority of buildings are crafted digitally. Virtual reality is the next logical step for BIM. PocketCake can also convert point cloud data into a mesh that's usable in a virtual reality environment.
PocketCake is currently developing a proprietary product called VRSCA (Virtual Reality Simulation Converter Assembly), which will allow architects and engineers to easily navigate up to four people through a virtual space at the same time and host up to 32 viewers remotely.
PocketCake, founded in November 2012, specializes in virtual reality simulations and custom mobile app development.
The firm uses the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset to immerse clients in project designs.
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Jan 27, 2015
Multifamily construction, focused on rentals, expected to slow in the coming years
New-home purchases, which recovered strongly in 2014, indicate that homeownership might finally be making a comeback.
Office Buildings | Jan 27, 2015
London plans to build Foggo Associates' 'can of ham' building
The much delayed high-rise development at London’s 60-70 St. Mary Axe resembles a can of ham, and the project's architects are embracing the playful sobriquet.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 22, 2015
Sales of apartment buildings hit record high in 2014
Investors bet big time on demand for rental properties over homeownership in 2014, when sales of apartment buildings hit a record $110.1 billion, or nearly 15% higher than the previous year.
| Jan 22, 2015
Architecture Billings Index rebounds at end of 2014
The American Institute of Architects reported the December ABI score was 52.2, up from a mark of 50.9 in November. This score reflects an increase in design activity.
| Jan 21, 2015
From technician to rainmaker: Making the leap in your career
Many AEC firms focus on training for the hard skills of the profession, not so much for business prowess, writes BD+C's David Barista.
Modular Building | Jan 21, 2015
Chinese company 3D prints six-story multifamily building
The building components were prefabricated piece by piece using a printer that is 7 meters tall, 10 meters wide, and 40 meters long.
| Jan 21, 2015
Tesla Motors starts construction on $5 billion battery plant in Nevada
Tesla Motors’ “gigafactory,” a $5 billion project on 980 acres in Sparks, Nev., could annually produce enough power for 500,000 electric cars.
| Jan 20, 2015
Daring hotel design scheme takes the shape of cut amethyst stone
The Dutch practice NL Architects designed a proposal for a chain of hotels shaped like a rock cut in half to reveal a gemstone inside.
| Jan 20, 2015
Avery Associates unveils plans for London's second-tallest tower
The 270-meter tower, dubbed the No. 1 Undershaft, will stand next to the city's "Cheesegrater" building.
| Jan 20, 2015
AIA course: Building with brick, stone, and masonry
Earn 1.0 AIA/CES learning units by studying this article and successfully completing the online exam.
