SUMMARY
For all the talk about the benefits of virtual reality (VR) tools for the AEC marketplace, there’s been one glaring void for this industry that relies so heavily on cross-team and cross-discipline collaboration. That is the ability to “meet in the model”–which one VR pro referred to as the holy grail of VR.
It looks like the grail has been found. Recent advancements in VR technology are expanding the applications to include multi-user collaboration sessions. If successfully leveraged, multi-user VR will allow multiple people from around the world to all enter the same virtual spaces together at the same time. In these multi-user environments, users will not be limited to just viewing models and asking questions. They won't have to take off the goggles, remember their thoughts, and then go sketch new ideas elsewhere.
Multi-user VR environments enable true collaborative design; people can discuss, draw, scale, break sections apart, and advance the design project in real time. This can allow for enhanced communication and increased time for design exploration, ultimately leading to more successful built products.
CannonDesign is one of the early adopters of multi-user VR technology for AEC project coordination. In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), two of CannonDesign's tech leaders present their early findings from pilot testing multi-user VR technology for AEC project coordination.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
David Polzin, AIA, LEED AP
Executive Director of Design, CannonDesign
David Polzin is CannonDesign's Executive Director of Design, championing the firm's design voice by seeking new paths to spark curiosity and imagination. In this role, he leverages innovation and talent across all of CannonDesign's offices to evolve design excellence, advance the firm's brand, and deliver superior design solutions for its clients.
Jimmy Rotella
Digital Practice Director, CannonDesign
Jimmy Rotella is CannonDesign's Digital Practice Director, focused on helping designers and clients leverage cutting-edge technology to create the most valuable built projects every time.
RELATED ARTICLES
Takeaways and recap from BD+C's 2018 Accelerate Live! innovation conference