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Newcastle's DigitalVR shakes up architectural practices with virtual reality

Newcastle-based DigitalVR, experts in virtual reality delivery, has launched a new product that will enable architects to offer their clients fully interactive, virtual visualisations of proposed construction projects.

The firm believes its approach will become standard architectural practice in years to come.

Currently, architectural practices commonly produce 3D models or images, and ‘fly through’ videos of proposed projects, but Digital VR says its smart use of virtual reality gaming software will be akin to designers giving their clients a key to the front door, weeks months or even years before their project is realised.

Ben Bennett, director at Ouseburn-based DigitalVR, said: “Clients can don a virtual reality headset and immediately feel like they’re in their new building. They can change the colour of a wall, add a new lighting scheme, view it by day or night and even move furniture around. They’ll see the desired effect instantly.

“With a swipe of their hand they can ‘screenshot’ the new views. These screenshot images will be available to print and view immediately. We think this practice will become commonplace in years to come, so we’re really proud to be in position to bring this to market now.”

Bennett says they have combined cutting edge VR gaming techniques with the vast experience of DigitalVR’s parent company, Digital Surveys. They were early adopters of 3D laser scanning and LiDAR tech in surveying and measurement, building an international reputation in the surveying sector soon after forming more than 25 years ago.

Ben Bennett added: “We think there’s been some narrow thinking around possible uses for virtual reality. The gaming platforms, we’ve discovered, are adaptable for just about any industry and our experience, skills and mindset in structural engineering and architecture means the leap in adapting the platforms was a relatively simple one for us.

The new, interactive VR platform will also be fully compatible, and can be adapted from existing models and workflows. It also means hours of time spent rendering are reduced dramatically with the ability to ‘screenshot’ images as the user takes their virtual tour of their project.

Rob Charlton, CEO at award-winning Newcastle architectural practice Space Group, said: “This is clearly the next step in the delivery of fully interactive client solutions. To give them the chance to feel like they’re walking through their new building, sometimes years ahead of schedule, but be able to see and change lighting or fixtures in seconds, is stunning.

“There’s no doubt this is a very exciting development for the industry’s forward thinkers.”

Digital VR will be displaying its new platform at a special preview event on Wednesday November 4th at its headquarters at the Toffee Factory in Ouseburn.

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