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.

GlobeSt.com: How are smaller companies ushering in new design technologies?
Vitti: With VR still quite new and AR a bit further out, it's hard to know that exactly. We can only speak to our own experiences of obtaining, understanding and implementing the new tech in our processes at TCA. We are currently working with some of the foremost VR software and hardware companies to maximize the technology for architectural purposes. Further, reaching out to our clients has been a big part of making the technology successful. Everyone needs to understand the process, the technology and the benefits before you implement. With VR and architecture, however, the benefits are not hard to see.

GlobeSt.com: What is the next step for VR and AR in design?
Vitti: The tech world will eventually transcend the gaming industry and begin full-scale platforms for business and VR, including architecture. But for now, baby steps need to be taken before the full impact can be understood. For those who have yet to commit, simply obtaining, understanding and implementing the technology is the first place to start. Because 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.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about this topic?

Vitti: VR/AR technologies have the ability to make the architecture process not only more efficient and precise, but also more cost effective; VR allows architects to create the best buildings possible by providing the opportunity to experience the design before it is built. Unlike other 3D modeling or BIM (building information modeling) software, there is no hiding in VR. Your design is exposed for all to see, and the VR user has the ability to walk wherever they want in the project. This creates a demand for a complete and finished product and results in fewer mistakes because the project was more clearly understood and experienced during the process.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about this topic?

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How Virtual and Augmented Reality Affect Design

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