Architects offered new IT virtual reality technique

Citation

(1998), "Architects offered new IT virtual reality technique", Facilities, Vol. 16 No. 5/6. https://doi.org/10.1108/f.1998.06916eab.001

Architects offered new IT virtual reality technique

Architects offered new IT virtual reality technique

Keywords Buildings, VR

Border firm Virtual Exhibitions Ltd, first ever to create 3D exhibitions on the Internet, has developed a new technique and concept for replicating architectural exteriors and interiors in virtual reality. Provided that sufficient information is available, skilled technicians can create the building in virtual reality on a computer. This gives not only a realistic visual 3D representation on screen, but also the ability to enter the building, view the inside and interact with objects within it. The realism can be heightened by incorporating spoken commentary and, where appropriate, sound effects such as echoing footsteps, music, speech or song.

The prototype for this work is a creative reconstruction of Cleeve Abbey, near Washford in Somerset. This Cistercian Abbey, founded at the end of the twelfth century by William, Earl of Roumare, did not survive its dissolution in 1536, and the ruins have been in the care of English Heritage since 1984.

Visitors can "walk" leisurely around the outside of the recreated abbey seeing it from every aspect as once did the noble earl on a fine day 400 years ago, even to the stained glass in the mullion windows gently reflecting the softly scudding clouds overhead. Also while touring the abbey cloisters, visitors can hear the monks' soft religious chant and the bell tolling for matins, as they pass into Cleeve Abbey's great hall through oaken doors.

The tour is totally under the control of the visitor, who can visit or revisit any part of the recreated Abbey in any order or navigate with the help of the tour guide, who provides background information on abbey customs and life. Unlike video, with its problems of downloading, the files containing the images for virtual reality reconstruction are remarkably small, and can be easily viewed over the Internet with a standard PC and modem.

This development means that preliminary architectural designs of any kind can be made available to important prospective clients before the production of final working drawings, with the ability to model modifications as required. The preliminary 3D virtual reality model can be completed before or at the same time as the actual building for the client to use or distribute as a novel souvenir of a visit, or as a sales aid for letting.

The possibilities are endless as the virtual reality representation can show far more than can be seen in reality. Each virtual world can be equipped with "trails" for visitors to follow, showing such things as novel architectural features or structural methods used in the building process, providing object-based learning situations for adults and children alike.

Audiences can be international as the virtual reality building can easily be placed on an Internet Web site to draw the attention of millions of potential clients, students, tourists, all over the world. For instance, new buildings for the Millennium celebrations, or any other major piece of architecture contemplated in the future could be modelled and placed on the Internet for public approbation or criticism ­ before vast sums of public or private money are spent.

Further information from Steve Martin. Tel: +44 (0)1691 670 543.