Virtual Reality Building Models

VR models of buildings can be used for :

operations planning
document management
interior design option analyses
environmental impact study
compliance assurance - evacuation simulations

A VR model is the future user interface to all complex data. Used in construction, the user can simply point to a particular object in the building model to obtain all documentation relevant to that object.

Building VR Building Models

The generation of a VR model from normal project engineering and design data is possible with some current software packages. Alternatively, special VR modeling software can be used. Models built on separate software are often based on a specific data format and require a small plug-in the be uploaded to the viewers browser before they can view the model.

To assist in expoerting engineering and design data to a multipurpose file type, specific tools have been developed, for instance, ProMoTe, developed in VTT Building Technology creates a VRML file from IFC product data model.

In simple terms a VR model is built by converting the dimensions of the building to 3D model, and from there, VR models. This is just one simple step forward to standard 3D capable AutoCAD programs.

Video - GRIFFITH COLLEGE DUBLIN - VR 3D Model

3D Model of one of the building in Griffith Barracks this was used in a Virtual Reality World.

Viewing 3D and VR Models

In most cases viewing and interacting with 3D and VR-models requires only a capable computer and an appropriate freeware VR-model viewer.

To collaborate on the design, full exploitation and utilization of all features is required, necessitating special presentation technology, such as:

CAVE
Responsive Workbench
3D displays

CAVE is a room in which the user can feel immersion and interaction with the vr-models. A cave has either one curved wall (ConCave) for displaying 3D/4D models or one to six walls (non-curved) for the same purpose. Responsive workbench is a 3D interactive workspace originally developed in Germany. Responsive workbench has been used e.g. to study alternative schedules (Stanford University).