Why Is Virtual Reality Being Used in Construction?

Construction has seen many advances in technology over the years, and the latest innovation is virtual reality (VR). VR helps those in construction put together their dream projects.

Virtual reality is a way of creating full 3D maps that can be explored digitally. As humans, we use multiple senses to explore the world. These include the main five senses, but also our senses of balance, orientation, temperature, and so on. Virtual reality environments aim to give the user the sensation that they’re experiencing a real environment. Equipment such as headsets and controls allow the user to interact with the environment, just as they would a real one.

Planning a Building Digitally

Those in the construction industry have seen the progression of VR technology and realised the opportunity it presents. When planning a new building, it can be difficult to visualise it. At first, there are just blueprints and layouts; there is no ability to see a 3D space. In the past, developers would create 3D miniature versions of their buildings based on these plans. These models would allow them to see what the building would look like and make adjustments as required.

As good as these models were, they still had their limitations. The miniatures would cost money to create and would take up valuable space. Plus, it wasn't always possible to plan out the interior of the building as well as the exterior.

Virtual reality has changed the industry forever, as now an entire building project can be created digitally. There is no need to worry about space and it's more cost-effective to work this way. VR helps developers plan a building more carefully than ever before.

Sharing A Vision with Buyers

Companies such as the Mid Group, chaired by Sahel Majali, are pioneering the use of virtual reality in their work. One of the UK’s fastest-growing construction companies, The Mid Group implements cutting edge technologies such as VR and BIM to gain a competitive advantage and remain at the forefront of the market.

Being able to walk around a building before it's even built is invaluable. It can even be furnished and decorated however the client wants, so they can get a feel for what the building will eventually look like.

VR allows construction companies to create buildings that are planned down to the last detail. Clients can walk around a completed building before the first brick has been laid, giving them more control over the construction process.