Virtual Reality (VR) no longer solely resides in the realm of
Sci-Fi movies or with cutting-edge video gamers. VR’s use within
the architecture, engineering, and construction industries is
increasing exponentially, and Hixson is finding ways to maximize
its value throughout the design process.
VR can be implemented in many different ways, but the basis of
how it works is the same: The user puts on a headset containing
lenses, sensors, and screens that use stereoscopic images to place
the wearer in a world much more immersive than that of just looking
at a computer monitor. Sensors placed throughout the room track the
headset, allowing the user to travel and move as they would in a
real facility, from looking under objects to over ledges. Benefits
of VR include:
• Getting Design Right the First Time. By adding depth to
images, VR gives stakeholders a more accurate perspective on how
the project would truly lay out in the real world. For example,
using VR allows maintenance staff to determine if there is enough
clearance around a piece of equipment to effectively and
ergonomically work on it. VR can also be used to visualize how
exterior and interior finishes will look, and determine whether
occupants have enough room to exit via egress pathways. Any
necessary changes can be made in real time, giving clients the
ability to watch changes to their project come to fruition in front
of them. Doing these checks before construction helps avoid costly
re-work and delays on projects.
• More Efficient Coordination and Review. At Hixson, VR is also
being used in the discipline coordination process, ensuring each
part of the project comes together in harmony while minimizing
clashes. Traditionally, discipline coordination was done by
comparing 2D drawings. Now, thanks to the excellent synergy of
Building Information Modeling (BIM) and VR, discipline coordination
can be done by virtually walking through a facility. Hixson is able
to quickly export BIM models into a VR format that can be explored
by both clients and engineers alike. Clashes and other conflicts
stand out much more clearly while wearing the VR headset than by
comparing drawings on paper, and VR offers a unique perspective of
projects resulting in catching details that could have otherwise
gone unnoticed.
While it may seem like fun and games, Virtual Reality provides
serious value by enabling stakeholders to envision the project
before it is built, resulting in less rework, optimal layouts, and
realized expectations.
The Utility of Virtual Reality
from experience experience in brief
A knowledge-shar ingpubl icat ion f rom:
continuing education
Hixson associates regularly participate in continuing
professional education events across the country. To learn
more
about the events listed below, e-mail Hixson at:
[email protected]
“From Design to Operation: Smoothing Out the Start Up”
A Hixson Food Plant of the Future Webinar
November 8, 2018Register today!
"Keys to Successful Food Plant Renovations and Expansions"
A Hixson Food Plant of the FutureWebinar
View the Archive Now!
ARCHITECTURE ENGINEERING INTERIORSHIXSON
SEPTEMBER 2018
Free webinar series! Go to www.hixson-inc.com/insights/
foodplant-of-the-future/to register or access the
archives of Hixson’s webinars.
Direct Comments/Questions to:Warren Green, Manager
Process [email protected]
Phone: 513.241.1230Fax: 513.241.1287
www.hixson-inc.com
Catch up on the value that VR and BIM can bring to your projects
by
viewing Hixson’s webinar:
“More Than Just a 3D Model: Using BIM for Operational
Success.”
Mechanical room coordination image: includes lighting, conduits,
cable trays, utility piping, and mechanical equipment, as well as
personnel clearances around equipment and doorways.
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