Construction technology can be viewed in terms tech adoption or its overall development. With tech development and adoption, it is easy to compare today and a century ago. I mean, if the Egyptians made giant pyramids without much use of technology, what can technology add to our construction industry? Virtual reality is now a reality in the construction industry, and it has been for a while now. It is also buzzing with optimism making even the most complex of projects a reality, faster, cheaper, and grander.
Here are four ways virtual reality adoption in the construction industry is revolutionary.
1. Simplifying complex projects
Amazon built a facility with a million square foot. Such projects will be plausible in future, and they will get even grander. One thing about this fulfillment center is that its manifest featured what every square foot will do within this mega-facility. Effective modeling tools can simplify such projects. Already, building information modeling and project modeling has been in use for decades. Augmenting the models into viable VR is what is taking shape, amid sluggishly.
This slow pace is making 3D renderings an expensive affair for most people. Companies such as Render 3D Quickly argue that, though expensive, VR is still the future because it is well worth the capital outlay. Render 3D Quickly uses VR simulations for real estate marketing and renovation. They believe that such a combined investment can improve the returns on investment.
2. Reduces chances of errors and resulting rework
Projects in the health industry, logistics, communication, and others can often range from simple to complex ones. Multinationals and governments projects usually stretch limits of architecture and engineering. The room for error is non-existent given the billions of dollars sunk into big projects. Decision makers have to understand the project fully before they can give permission to proceed. This is where virtual tours come in place. An immersive visor brings to life the real environment. Current visors available in the market, and already mainstream, include Oculus, HTC, and RIFT.
3. Improve communication collaboration
Modern projects are a partnership between and among teams. While most designs in the past often focused on harnessing coordination and communication, the process was slow and often tedious to follow through. With VR, it is easy to bring teams to speed very fast through virtual tours. Teams can know what role they play within the jigsaw without having to make contact with other groups.
4. Design experience
A quite popular phenomenon today is 3D VR immersive tours in the property market. Not just tenants and buyers, communities in public projects too are using this technology. Assume taking a tour of the newly refurbished home or workplace. Companies and public office holders are using this technology to simulate how the future will look like. Naturally, people fear change, such anxiety brought by fears can cripple projects. With 3D models, you can clear all doubts.
In conclusion, 3D is not just a future; it’s a current reality already making the construction of mega-structures far much groundbreaking.