Introduction
Imagine being able to physically explore the space of your future building before construction even begins. Imagine being able to show this interactive piece to your customers, partners, and coworkers in real-time and receiving their immediate reaction and approval. Imagine yourself having the ability to make adjustments on the go and instantly see their impact.
Virtual reality (VR) software for the built environment has made this not only a possibility but a practical reality. Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that generates a virtual world in which the user, armed with a headset and controllers, may engage in activities. Virtual reality (VR) software for architecture lets you take 3D models made in other design programs and turn them into lifelike, interactive VR settings.
Virtual reality (VR) software offers several advantages to the architectural profession and its customers. It’s useful because:
- You need to do a better job of persuading others of your vision.
- Raise your levels of originality and imagination.
- Enhance your teamwork and cooperation for better results.
- Minimize expenses and mistakes
- Foster deeper bonds with existing customers.
More and more architecture companies are realizing the benefits of virtual reality (VR) software for design, presentation, and evaluation. Grand View Research estimates that between 2021 and 2028, the worldwide virtual reality industry would expand from its 2020 valuation of USD 15.81 billion at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 18%.
Virtual reality (VR) applications and software for architects come in a wide variety, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. This post will expose you to 15 of the top virtual reality (VR) programs for architects so that you may improve your design workflow.
The Best VR Software for Architecture
1. Autodesk Revit Live
Virtual reality (VR) software like Autodesk Revit Live may be used to turn your Revit models into fully realized 3D environments. You can quickly and simply convert your drawings into explorable VR settings using Revit Live. Modifications to a design may be made in real-time using Revit Live, with fast feedback.
2. Enscape
Enscape is a virtual reality (VR) and real-time rendering (RTR) application for the architectural industry that is compatible with Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, and ArchiCAD. One-click on Enscape, and you’re immersed in a virtual reality version of your gorgeous design renderings. Enscape may also be used to share and receive instantaneous feedback from your staff and customers.
3. IrisVR Prospect
Virtual reality (VR) technologies like IrisVR Prospect can take architectural 3D models created in other programs and turn them into fully realized VR environments. Prospect allows you to see your ideas at their actual size while allowing you to interact with them via intuitive hand gestures. Prospect also allows you to collect measurements, comment on your designs, and provide feedback to others.
4. Fuzor
Fuzor is a VR program for architectural design that incorporates real-time visualization, BIM connectivity, and collaborative capabilities. With Fuzor, you can quickly and simply create lifelike representations of your ideas and test them in VR with a single click. Fuzor may also be utilized for instantaneous communication amongst team members and feedback from clients.
5. Lumion
Stunning visuals of your architectural plans may be created in minutes using Lumion, a real-time rendering program. You may use Lumion to import 3D models from other design programs and then convert them into photorealistic, interactive VR environments. Lumion also allows you to modify the scene’s lighting, materials, and effects.
6. Unity
The Unity game engine may be used as virtual reality (VR) building software. You may use Unity to import your 3D models from other design programs or use it to build whole new interactive and immersive experiences. Additionally, Unity allows you to include a wide variety of visual and auditory effects in your projects.
7. Unreal Engine
Another gaming engine that has potential as a virtual reality tool for architects is Unreal Engine. Photorealistic renderings of your creations are now possible in real-time using Unreal Engine and can be experienced in virtual reality with a single click. The Unreal Engine also allows you to animate and light your scenes.
8. Gravity Sketch
Virtual reality (VR) software Gravity Sketch may be used for both product and building design. Using Gravity Sketch, you can make your own 3D creations in virtual reality just by moving your hands about. The 3D models you’ve created in other programs may be imported into Gravity Sketch for further editing in virtual reality.
9. SketchUp Viewer
View and interact with your SketchUp models in virtual reality with the help of the SketchUp Viewer. The SketchUp Viewer allows you to see your ideas at actual size and interact with them via the use of simple gestures.
10. Prospect by IrisVR
Another piece of virtual reality (VR) software for architects, Prospect by IrisVR, lets you take 3D models you’ve created in other programs and turn them into fully realistic VR settings. Prospect by IrisVR allows you to see your ideas in full size while adding comments and voice recordings.
11. Twinmotion
Twinmotion is architectural real-time rendering software that lets you create photorealistic visuals in a matter of minutes. Twinmotion allows you to import 3D models from several different design programs, including SketchUp and Rhino.
12. Blender
Blender is a free, open-source 3D modeling program that may also be used as virtual reality (VR) building design software. Complex 3D models may be created from scratch or imported from other design programs using Blender.
13. V-Ray
V-Ray is a rendering engine that can be used in tandem with other design programs like Revit or Rhino files to generate high-quality visual representations of architectural projects.
14. Lumion LiveSync
In Lumion Pro, the add-on Lumion LiveSync makes it possible for architects to import model updates from Revit or SketchUp without having to redo their work in Lumion.
15. KeyShot
When combined with other design tools, like Rhino files, KeyShot’s real-time rendering capabilities enable architects to produce stunning visual representations of their work.
Conclusion
For both architects and their clients, virtual reality (VR) software is a game-changer. It opens up new possibilities for the creation, exploration, and enjoyment of architectural designs. Virtual reality building software enables the following:
- Visualize your designs in 3D and VR
- Walk through your designs as if they were real
- Make changes to your designs in real time
- Collaborate with your team and clients more effectively
- Reduce errors and costs
- Improve client satisfaction and loyalty
Here, we’ve covered 15 of the most useful virtual reality (VR) tools for architects, so you can improve your design process. You may generate spectacular visuals and interactive experiences from your 3D models with the aid of these programs, which provide a broad variety of features, capabilities, and compatibility.
If you’re interested in virtual reality (VR) software for architecture, we hope this article has piqued your interest and encouraged you to learn more. Please use the space below to ask any questions or make any comments you may have. In any case, I appreciate your attention. 😊
