When it comes to architecture and design, Virtual Reality (or “VR” as it’s commonly referred to) allows us to view designs and concepts in a ‘real world’ environment. You just need to put on VR goggles and as if by magic, an architect’s designs transform from a static blueprint or 3D render into a real-life structure in the digital world.

Apart from being an incredibly powerful and easy way to visualise and interpret designs that don’t yet exist in the built-environment, VR also optimises project outcomes by improving communication through the design process. If everyone can see exactly how a design will look and operate in the real world, there’s less room for risk and confusion, which will ultimately lead to greater confidence and satisfaction for our clients.

So, do you really need to look at architectural designs through the lens of virtual reality goggles – or is it just a nifty party trick? My answer is that VR definitely has its place in the architecture world - depending on the individual and the project.

Over my 15 year career, I’ve found it’s not uncommon for clients to find it very challenging to interpret and visualise plans or 3D renders, which can make the entire design process more stressful and confusing for them that it needs to be.

We gave one of our clients a Virtual Reality tour of their new home extension, at Koda Design.

In these cases, VR is a tool of empowerment – a way for people to quickly and easily grasp what the plans in front of them will ultimately translate in to, once created.

I recently gave one of my clients a VR perspective of what their new extension would look like and it was an incredibly valuable and fulfilling experience to watch them as they walked the (virtual) halls of their new home. When they first looked at the plans, they were nervous that certain rooms may be too small, and questioned the inclusion of a void area over a living space. But once we popped on the VR goggles, they could walk around these spaces and understand the value of the designs being proposed.

Of course VR isn’t for everyone – but if you do struggle to interpret what can oftentimes seem like complex architectural plans, I encourage you to ask for a VR view of the plans. Sometimes, it’s just the perspective you need.

Special thanks to our friends at Koda Design who support us with their VR technology!