The commercial building sector is a vast enterprise that shapes our cities and big corporations. However, just like any other industry, it can occasionally prove to be inefficient, with extremely poor communication and risky practices. Now, in the modern world, the power of technology comes in handy. The designs of commercial buildings are influenced by VR and AR technologies at a never-before-seen rate.
What are VR and AR?
Virtual Reality (VR): You might have heard this word in games like Fortnite, but yes, VR is also prevalent in the construction industry. VR technology creates a computer-generated world around you. In construction, VR headsets allow users to step into 3D models of buildings, virtually walk through them, and interact with the design as if it were real.
Augmented Reality (AR): Unlike VR, AR doesn’t replace your real world. Instead, it overlays digital information onto the physical world you see. Here, you wear special glasses that project blueprints, data, and 3D models directly onto a construction site. Workers can see exactly where pipes, wires, and other elements will go before they even start building. This helps to avoid costly mistakes and improve overall efficiency.
How Are VR and AR Making Construction Better?
Think of going through a high-rise office building before even a single brick has been structured. You can pass along wide corridors, look into the future conference rooms, and even get a sense of light that will fall through the windows of the virtual space. This is not a scene from a sci-fi movie; this is a glimpse into the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in construction.
- See it before you build it: With VR, anyone – from architects to clients to engineers – can visit the structure virtually and identify any issues at an early stage.
- Safer building sites: One great application for VR is training workers in safety procedures in a hazard-free environment. AR may also warn workers about potential hazards on the actual site.
- Work smarter, not harder: Both VR and AR can assist in identifying errors in the proposed design so that less rework and change orders are made during construction. This minimises costs and also enables projects to be completed in a shorter time.
The Benefits of VR and AR
VR and AR aren’t just fancy letters to decorate a page; they offer a multitude of benefits for the construction industry:
VR and AR in Construction: Enhancing Project Visualization and Collaboration
- VR and AR facilitate collaboration and communication in virtual building projects.
- VR and AR allow on-site workers to see building plans and data, reducing errors and enhancing communication.
Increased Safety and Risk Management
- VR and AR simulate potential hazards, promoting safety procedures and real-time alerts.
- These technologies reduce rework and change orders, saving time and money.
Enhanced Customer Experience and Marketing
- VR allows clients to preview their future office space before construction, enhancing client experience.
- VR can also be used to create presentations and marketing materials, attracting new clients.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While VR and AR offer incredible potential, there are still challenges to overcome:
- Standardisation and Integration: Today, there are plenty of software and hardware solutions for VR and AR. Balancing and maintaining the functionality and the integration of these platforms still remain a challenge.
- Cost and Technical Expertise: To use VR and AR technology, there is an initial cost and that is to purchase the technology. Then workers must have expertise in how to run the technology efficiently. This becomes a challenge to smaller construction companies.
- Overcoming Resistance to Change: It is no secret that every new technology is met with scepticism. This might be the reason why the construction industry is stiffly opposed to technology like VR and AR.
Conclusion
The adoption of VR and AR in construction will spur innovative changes in the industry, making it more effective, efficient, environmentally friendly, and safe. The next course of action is for construction companies to adopt these technologies and understand how they can be put into practice. If they embrace the use of VR and AR in their operations, they will be able to achieve a competitive advantage and make positive contributions to the future of our cities and workplaces.
