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Top 5 Virtual Reality Applications for Architects

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The tools for virtual and augmented reality developed for architecture, design, and construction (ADC) areas are constantly being improved and optimized, while their cost is gradually decreasing.  Virtual and augmented reality becomes more accessible to architects, engineers, and contractors. With the help of these tools, one can implement any projects.

The VR and AR are gradually becoming the environment of communication, creation, and testing of projects in the fields of ADC. VR and AR tools based on developments and experience from other industries become the industry standard for ADC. One can perform a fast iteration with their help, to improve projects in close cooperation with customers and colleagues.

virtual and augmented reality

VR allows creating fully managed digital environments, while AR puts virtual elements on top of an existing real picture. Thus, the same technology is used for different purposes: Virtual Reality is more suitable for architects, whereas AR is more often used during the construction.

Although both innovations are rapidly gaining popularity, they are still at an early stage of development. Vrender had studied the solutions presented on the market in more detail and compiled a list of VR/AR tools that are optimal for those who work in the fields of design and construction.

ARki

ARki is an application for visualization of architectural models. It integrates AR technology into the existing architecture, allowing creating three-dimensional models with multiple levels of interactivity for both design and presentation.

prototyping and 3D visualization tool

ARki can be used on any iOS/Android device. The application simply imposes 3D models on existing two-dimensional floor plans. ARki also includes several additional interactive functions, for instance, the real-time analysis and material selection. Using this application, one can record user-selected models in the three-dimensional format, as well as share own content via e-mail or social networks.

Storyboard VR

Storyboard VR is a free prototyping and visualization tool developed for architects and other ADC professionals. Using this program, users can organize, scale, and animate simple two-dimensional models. Storyboard VR creators, the company named Artefact, have developed it for their own internal use to work on VR projects. They’ve created their own tool to quickly and easily create a prototype of VR.

3d design process

The application allows creating and loading drawings and environmental maps from existing drawing tools into Storyboard VR, then choosing own assets and building own storyboard. The simplicity of use allows designers exchanging ideas and receiving feedback at the initial stage of the design process. Storyboard VR also has slides making it something like the VR-version of PowerPoint.

Pair

Pair (formerly known as Visidraft) uses licensed software and augmented reality technologies to create applications that allow architects “dragging” 3D models of consumer furniture and pieces of technology into their projects using an iPhone or iPad. The online catalog of models and assets now includes more than 200 products for home and office by Fortune 500 manufacturers. The catalog is supplemented with new products every day.

virtual 3D product

After the launch of the application, the company had drawn its attention to the fact that the main growth was in furniture and equipment manufacturers segment. The main difference between Pair and other AR solutions is that the focus is made on its products and consumers, which allows users to physically navigate inside a virtual 3D product like in their home or office.

SmartReality

SmartReality is a mobile application of augmented reality, which allows the camera to overlay an interactive BIM model on printed design layouts, thereby creating a three-dimensional visualization of projects. Users can scale, change structural layers, navigate through the project stages, and record their images and video. Also one can create a free account for downloading 2D plans and get the corresponding 3D plan and models using the application.

The SmartReality application is also available in the VR version developed by the R & D JBKnowledge Labs team. This version allows users to walk through the model of a
building using virtual reality solutions such as Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear, and Project Tango by Google.

Fuzor

Fuzor is an application for real-time rendering, which integrates with Revit. The program is based on the technology originally developed by Kalloc Studios for creating games. Thanks to bidirectional direct communication with Revit, users can navigate, visualize, comment, and verify BIM information, as well as synchronize changes between the two named tools.

video rendering

The direct communication allows Fuzor to instantly update and reflect the changes made in the Revit file. It supports various measurements, lighting analysis, color and visibility filters, cross-section, slice cutting, and video rendering with BIM support.
In order to have a possibility of joint work with construction sites, BIM Solution supports the visualization of BIM drawings for mobile devices using Google Drive and Dropbox. At the moment, Fuzor supports files of Revit, Archicad, Rhinoceros 3D, Navisworks, SketchUp, FBX, and 3DS.

Vrender Company 2018

 

 

 

The Process of 3D Visualization

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When the task is set and a visualizer understands exactly what and where must be located, he or she can get to work. The accurate models of the premises and all objects that will be visible in the frame are created based on the plan in a 3D editor, for example, in 3D Max or AutoCAD. This is a huge job, but it is only a part of the entire process.
When the models are created, it is time to create materials for them – a visualizer creates and configures most realistic materials for each model. However, many models can have a lot of material, and they will all require careful development. But that’s not all.

No matter how carefully models and materials were designed, the whole scene would look very unnatural without realistic lighting. Therefore, the visualizer spends a lot of effort to install and configure the light sources. This may be the sunlight and/or artificial sources – lamps, candles… This requires careful control of the shadows.

Now comes the seemingly final part – receiving the ready image. In reality, what is obtained using 3D editor is not yet of the photo’s quality. So a visualizer works in Photoshop, adjusting the image to perfection by eliminating small defects and making the resulting color reproduction close to natural. Only after that, the resulting image is passed to you, the customer. This picture shows what is not yet present in reality, but it is a reality itself.

Did you think that 3D services are too expensive and the visualization of design may be done by anyone, who has ever seen Photoshop? Now you know that it is a lot of work, and a man, who does it, spends a lot of time and efforts. In spite of this, our studio offers fairly affordable prices for imaging, maintaining the high quality of work.

How is 3D visualization done?

Visualization gives an opportunity to look at what is only as a plan or idea. Of course, this gives much food for thought for a customer and a designer, because the photographic quality of image allows evaluating everything visually, rather than rely solely on your own imagination. To receive such a visual material, people refer to the visualizer, who turns plans into something that might be seen with eyes. But how it happens and what is required from you as from a potential customer?

3D visualization begins, of course, with the setting of the task. Visualizer cannot know what exactly you want to portray, so he/she needs some source materials. For example, if it is a visualization of a design (interior of a room), a drawing or a plan of a room is necessary, with an indication of its size. It is also required to show the desired plan of arrangement of furniture and other objects in a room, and to provide at least a description of these items, but better – to provide their photos.

The similar things happen with visualization of exteriors, i.e. looks from the street. It also requires a plan showing the sizes of all buildings that must get into the frame. This ensures precise adherence to the proportions and, eventually, the most realism.

realistic-3D visualizationWhat can 3D visualization of architecture do?

It might be a very long and detailed story of how comfortable and beautiful your new house will be, but showing it is much better. What to do, if the object is not even in the first stage of construction, but as a project only? It’s pretty easy: you should use the architectural visualization service.

It is possible to create a three-dimensional model of the future building with its help when the building itself is still a big question. Three-dimensional image may be shown to customers and investors. This will allow clearly presenting a project: to avoid unnecessary problems and change anything at the first stage.

building visualization process

Where to use the three-dimensional design

The three-dimensional design is used as a sales tool. It is difficult to attract new customers, showing them drawings of the future cottage. Photos of the building with bare walls aren’t too impressive also. The best way is to furnish an existing or a constructing object. Try to create a dream apartment, amaze the customer and he or she will be yours.

Vrender Company 2017.