How Virtual and Augmented Reality Affect Design

Vitti: “When VR technology is fully embraced by the architecture industry, and it will be, it has the potential to be as revolutionary as the introduction of CAD (computer-aided design) and quite possibly more so.”

IRVINE, CA—The most impactful application of virtual- and augmented-reality technology in architectural design has been in providing the opportunity to fully experience the scale and “feel” of the unbuilt environment, TCA Architects’ VR architect Matthew Vitti tells GlobeSt.com. Vitti recently joined the firm to lead its virtual-reality technology division, incorporating this transformative technology into all phases of the design process. We spoke exclusively with Vitti about how VR and AR technology are used in architectural design and what the next steps for this technology are.

GlobeSt.com: How are VR and AR being used in architectural design? Vitti: While there are varying ways to utilize VR/AR technology in architectural design, the most impactful application for us has been in providing the previously impossible opportunity to fully experience the scale and “feel” of the unbuilt environment. For example, during the concept phase of design, our clients can experience the simple mass and scale of a project by walking it in real time at real scale. The question of, “Will this building be too tall, large, small, etc.?” is answered very early on in the process rather than waiting until the project is constructed.