Virtual Reality Test Drive

Not all clients are created equal. Specifically when it comes to visualizing a design before it is built. Plans, sections and other architectural projections describe space in almost clinical terms. 2D renderings, as advanced as they can be, are always flat, and almost always exaggerated – they can be a simplified and optimistic expression of our goals for the space. The combination of technical drawings and pretty renderings tell part of the story, and not all clients can piece together a full understanding of their space.

For the Phase II of the global headquarters of an international software company, we decided to test a new tool to try and bridge that gap. With the help of Kai Liang of KX-L and a Samsung Oculus VR headset, we took the client for a virtual test drive in the physical space. Kai’s team took our model and created 360° views of the entrance spaces and the open offices, which allowed the client to engage with space, furnishing, finishes and lighting, while surrounded by real views through the office windows. 4 different members of the client team tested this out – each reacting differently, and teaching us a thing or two about what our different tools are and aren’t able to communicate to an audience varied in architectural expertise.